The Joys of Buying an Older HomeThe Joys of Buying an Older Home


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The Joys of Buying an Older Home

My dream home was not new construction in a planned community. It was a rambling old structure in a neighborhood that was beginning to recover after years of decline. I got the place for a song and started in on all the tasks associated with restoring it to new glory. I soon found there was a lot to do. While the house was sound, it needed to be fumigated after several years of standing vacant. All the tile needed replacing, and the floors cried out for refinishing. Little by little, I got the place ready for me to move in. Today, I like to think it is the nicest home on the block. If you are thinking of buying a fixer-upper, try my tips. From redoing the wallpaper to choosing the right pest control service, what I learned will save you a lot of time and trouble.

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Why Heating Repairs Should Be Left To Professionals

In this information packed society, it is all too easy to hop on the computer and do a quick search on the internet anytime something breaks down in your home to learn how to fix it on your own. Tasks such as replacing a leaking faucet or changing your transmission fluid are tasks you can do on your own instead of hiring a professional. Just because you can find the information to do something on your own, however, does not mean your should. Fixing your heating system, for example, is one of those tasks better left to professionals.

In fact, there are three solid reasons why you shouldn't fix your heating system on your own for your own safety and your appliance's optimal level of maintenance:

Reason Number One: Fuel Oil, Electricity, or Natural Gas

Dealing with a heating system that runs on natural gas or fuel oil means taking necessary safety precautions that an average day homeowner may not give much thought to. A spark caused by static electricity combined with an improperly shut down fuel feed can cost you more than just a weekend of work.

Electrically powered systems have their own set of precautions and hazards as well to prevent injury and expensive damages. Additionally, an improperly done HVAC repair can also lead to exhaust leaks which pose another potentially lethal problem. Carbon monoxide poisoning is insidious and can sneak up on you before you know what is wrong.

Reason Number Two: A Small Oops Leads to a More Expensive Repair

If you are hanging a picture on the wall and you put it in the wrong place, all it costs is five minutes and a nail hole in the wall. If you are trying to fix your heating and you break something, you are looking at a very expensive repair. Newer heating units are also extremely complex with computer controlled electronics. If you fry the computer components, you could end up needing a new heater.  

If your heater is older, parts may have to be ordered, which can leave you without heat for days. Furthermore, the problem might not even be that serious. Why spend an entire weekend researching something that a professional could fix in 10 minutes?

Reason Number Three: Time is Money

If your heat is on the fritz, getting it fixed quickly is a priority. If it is during the winter months, a broken heater can lead to complications very quickly. Pipes can freeze and burst which leads to more expensive repairs and clean up. When you aren't familiar with a heating system, repairs can take you three or four times as long as a professional. Furthermore, there are probably more exciting things you would like to be doing than learning how to fix a heating system.

While there are a lot of things that you can do yourself around your house that can save you time and money, trying to diagnose and fix your heating system is generally not one of them. The risk of doing something wrong is high and can cost you time or money and cause a repair that was not needed beforehand. Consult a professional whenever you think your heat is going awry and you will be glad you did.