Preparing a home is slow-going, I'm learning. Unpacking, setting up, decorating...all of these things take a lot of time. For instance, we just hung a little bit of artwork two weeks ago, and there are still many rooms to go. All of these details take a certain education, and mine is coming fast and furious. But perhaps the thing that takes the most time and learning? Upkeep.
I'm very lucky in that my boyfriend, Ian, lives with me and is quite handy. We've had to make a lot of fixes and upgrades to the house so far since the prior owner, a guy who flipped the house just to sell it, took a lot of shortcuts. Grout sealer had to be added, closet bars needed to be reinforced, and drain pipes needed to be secured, just to name a few. Actually, we've (not so) lovingly started referring to the prior owner and his contractor as "the goons." But this is just the little stuff! I've already had all the gutters replaced, and just a mere two weeks ago...our furnace stopped working. We found a repairman who got it up and running again, but it could go out at anytime, meaning we need a new one.
So remember what I said about an education? I had to get one, FAST. How do you shop for a furnace? What brands are good? How do you locate a reliable company? And, of course, how much is this gonna cost me? I barely slept for two nights trying to wrap my brain around all of this. After checking with our parents on who they suggested we call, we set up three appointments: Home Depot, Costco, and a smaller, local company. And after all three were said and done, Costco came out the winner.
Here's what I learned:
- There are furnaces available now that are as high as 98% efficient. Compared to the 80% efficient furnace of 20 years ago, this is impressive.
- A 98% efficient furnace will pay for itself in five years.
- If I buy the 98% furnace, Costco will sell me a new AC unit at 50% the regular price. Considering that my current AC unit is in just as bad shape as the furnace, this is a no brainer.
- My AC unit is breaking code in its current location and will have to be moved.
- Costco will throw in a free modulating, electronic thermostat.
Next on my list is to schedule up the install and reap the warm rewards!
