Plumbing Code Consult | This is a riser diagram or plumbing isometric that meets or exceeds code. You won't find many that recommend a full-sized vent! I can draw your riser diagram in just a few hours if need be.
Plumbing Code Consult - You Better Talk With a Pro
You should use both. Use cast iron for the vertical stacks that go down walls and for the 3-inch drain pipe across a ceiling for a toilet. You can use PVC pipes for all the other drains and vent pipes.
Are Cable TV Shows Harmful?
Cable TV shows about how to install plumbing can be harmful because they instill in you a false sense of confidence. Many of the plumbing episodes I've watched don't really tell you the entire truth. I've done expert witness work for years and there's an old saying in our business: A half-truth is a whole lie. Don't allow the TV shows to lie to you.
Should I Solder or Use Press Fittings?
You can do both, but the press fittings are infinitely faster. You can rent the press tool.
Watch these two videos and see for yourself which method is faster:
Do you need DIY coaching? Are you stuck with a building or remodeling issue? Check out Tim's DIY Coaching.
Floor Trusses vs Floor Joists | These are fantastic floor trusses in my daughter’s home. There are multiple reasons I specified them. One is floor truss framing. Copyright 2021 Tim Carter
Floor Trusses vs Floor Joists - Trusses Will WOW You
Last week, I was downloading some photos from my fancy digital camera and I stumbled across hundreds of forgotten photos I shot while my daughter’s new home was being built on Mt. Desert Island in Downeast Maine.
I was there every day for the first few months capturing the framing of the home as well as installing all the plumbing, radiant floor heating, and electric in the home. I did my best to capture each aspect of the construction. It was snowy, cold, and windy but that just reminded me of all the cold days I had worked on my jobs. We didn’t have heated jackets back then and kept warm by constantly moving.
One of my favorite aspects of the construction of the home was the use of floor trusses vs floor joists. I specified floor trusses for quite a few reasons not the least of which they produce amazing flat floors with no bounce. My daughter wanted tile floors throughout the home because of a dust allergy and flat floors with no bounce are a must for large-format tile.
Where Do You Get Floor Trusses?
Floor trusses are ordered at a traditional lumberyard. The companies that make roof trusses are the same ones that make floor trusses.
You may not even realize you can get floor trusses. I’m certain you’ve seen common roof trusses so you’re familiar with how smaller dimensional lumber like 2x4s can be cobbled together in such a way to be as strong or stronger than common dimensional larger lumber.
Are Floor Trusses Like Road Bridges?
Floor trusses borrow the same engineering principles bridge builders have employed for decades. There’s a very good chance you’ve driven across a Pratt truss bridge in your lifetime. This bridge is designed just like a floor truss or vice versa. It’s got a flat top and bottom chord with lots of triangles in between.
Just as a bridge can span a river resting on two piers, one on each bank, floor trusses can do the same in your new home or room addition. The ends of the floor trusses rest on the parallel exterior walls. There’s no need for interior bearing walls in the center of your home. Imagine the possibilities of an open floor plan when you get silly bearing walls out of the way!
Have You Installed Floor Joists?
Let’s talk about the humble traditional floor joist for a moment. I’ve installed thousands of them in my lifetime. I used them in the last home I built, a stunning Queen Anne Victorian home that had a maze of bearing walls throughout the house because of the traditional design.
Do Floor Joists Have Pesky Crowns?
Floor joists are sawn from logs. They often have inconsistent crowns to them. A crown is a hump in the floor joist. Humps and floor tile don’t play well together. You have to be careful with the size and placement of holes you might drill into a joist to run pipes and ducts. Even if you use the strongest and highest-grade lumber floor joist, you can’t come close to the distance you can span using a floor truss.
Do Firefighters Dislike Floor Trusses?
Floor joists are favored by firefighters. It takes a while for a fire to burn the lumber to a point it’s unsafe to be inside trying to knock down a fire. Floor trusses fail faster. If a fire is raging to this degree in a home, there’s a good chance burning plastics in the house that create poisonous toxic smoke have already caused fatalities of anyone not able to escape the inferno.
Fire departments can work with building departments and as the truck is on its way to a fire, the crew leader in the passenger seat can look up to see if the address has joists or trusses. He/she can then decide to not go inside to fight the fire. It just becomes a slightly larger insurance claim in the event firefighters do the right thing by extinguishing the fire by staying outdoors and staying safe.
Will Floor Trusses Save Money?
Another reason I favor floor trusses is how much money you will save when plumbers, electricians, and HVAC people discover how easy it’s going to be to install all the utilities in your new home. The open web design gives each trade copious amounts of room to run all the pipes, ducts, and cables with ease. Electricians will think they died and went to Heaven. They don’t have to drill any holes!
Is Drywall Easier to Hang on Floor Trusses?
Drywall hangers love floor trusses too. The drywall sheets meet on the bottom of a 2x4, not a narrow 1.5-inch-wide floor joist. There’s no need to install silly 1x3 furring strips as is common in some parts of the USA. Those things are a waste of money and time as far as I’m concerned.
How do you Minimize Floor Bounce?
Realize that you can work with the truss designer and make the floors as stiff as you want so there’s no bounce. To minimize bounce, the truss height is usually increased a few inches.
Should Floor Trusses be Used with Panelized Walls?
If you couple floor trusses with factory-built walls you can minimize construction time and get your house under roof faster. The precision of these factory-built components is remarkable. I can assure you the workmanship is far better than most you’ll get from carpenters stick-building your home.
Kon'nichiwa! Welcome to your first full issue of my newsletter. I’ve never been to Japan, but my ham radio friend Hiro lives there. I reserve this place of honor at the top of each issue to greet you. Hiro was kind enough to send me my unique digital seal made with Kanji. It's just above. Seals are often used instead of signatures in Japan. Pretty cool, right?
You, though, might have received five or five-hundred newsletters from me. Do you recall when I shared those stunning before and after photos Saskia sent me from her home in Palos Verdes Estates, California? They’re the ones of her fountain coated with thick hard-water stains.
You should really check out Saskia’s photos. BTW, are you interested in seeing a photo of me when I had shoulder-length hair and weighed 185 pounds? The things I have to offer up to get you to go to a page, jeeesh!
Bibelots
A few days ago, I was looking in awe at some of the detail on one of my bibelots. It was striking.
Wait just a minute. You don’t know what a bibelot is!
Which was it? Were you sick that day, gazing at your heartthrob up one seat and across the aisle from you, or maybe daydreaming in 8th-grade when that vocabulary word was discussed?
I know exactly what you muttered at your desk when bibelotbubbled out of your teacher’s lips, “When will I EVER need to know what that silly word means?”
Today- today is the day you need to know what it means! My wise father-in-law had a saying about situations like this:
“The mills of the gods grind slowly but thoroughly.”
Ouch - you just got squished by the millstone! 🙂
You can’t resist, can you? You want to see some of my prized bibelots, don’t you? Well, click or tap and take a look!
Free & FAST Bids - Local Contractors
Now that Christmas seems ages ago, it’s time to make your future home project dreams come true! CLICK or TAP the following links and take a few moments to fill out the form. You’ll get free & fast bids from local contractors in return.
It’s amazing how fast you’ll get calls in these crazy times:
Do you have a sound problem in your home or condominium? It could be outdoor noise leaking in or it could be sound from above or below the room you’re relaxing/sleeping in.
Want to know how to make your house QUIET? I thought so. You simply need to check out my soundproofing column.
Deicing Salts and Concrete - Myth-Busting Time
Are you convinced deicing salt will ruin all concrete? You’re not alone. Many feel this way.
Do you live in a cold climate in an older city? Do you have railroad bridges that cross over the roads you travel? Have you looked at the base of the massive concrete abutments next to the roads? Do the abutments have construction dates cast into them? Maybe you've been too darned cold to figure this one out. I get it!
I suggest you come in from the cold and expand the knowledge stored inside your tiny gray cells. Check out my Deicing Salts & Concrete column.
The photo shows a dry well being built. Is it going to work at your home? Keep an open mind as I help you answer that question.
There’s only one way to know. Scan my Dry Well Installation column and be the wiser.
You’ve Got
I just installed the Mail Chime at my house. Yippee Ki-Yay!
This is a fantastic product. You’d do well to look at the PHOTOS in my review of the Mail Chime. It’s not too often I come across a product that’s simple and EASY to install. And it works too!
That’s enough for a Sunday.
I’ll be back here next week sharing lots more home improvement tips. You’re going to discover how to stop that infernal cold air from leaking through your bath exhaust fan onto your soft wet skin as you exit the shower. I’m also going to share which is better: fiberglass batts or blown-in insulation.
What is a Bibelot? - It's Something Small You Treasure
A bibelot is often referred to as a trinket or a tiny ornamental item, often jewelry but not always. A bibelot is not to be confused with a gewgaw. Gewgaws are often much bigger things.
In other words, if you have a small knickknack that holds sentimental value to you, it's probably a bibelot.
Some bibelots might become valuable years from now. For example, one of mine is the hat or vest pin I got from the first Boston Marathon I worked as a ham radio operator. It was the 116th Boston Marathon pin. For whatever reason, I didn't get one - or I lost it! - for the following year, the 117th running. That was the year of the wretched bombing incident. I was working at that event and wrote a detailed story about my experience. You can bet over time, that pin will become a collector's item.
Here's a small sampling of my collection of bibelots:
This might be my favorite bibelot. I believe it was a lapel pin worn by Delta Airlines flight attendants. I found it on the floor of the Silverton Post Office in Cincinnati, OH around 1998. The post office is adjacent to the HighBrewBloto micro-brewery that's in the old Silverton town offices.
This represents the start of Ask the Builder. It's a pin I got at the ceremony when I was selected as one of the top 50 remodelers in the USA in 1993. Five months later my first Ask the Builder column ran in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
My high school class ring.
This is a cuff link from my Mom. She was a pharmacist. Unfortunately, I don't know the story about the tie tack as well. I must have lost the other cuff link. UGH!
I was one of the first GRI realtors in Ohio back in 1976 when they introduced the program to honor those who completed lots of night school classes to increase their knowledge base about all things real estate.
This is a special pin given to a tiny group of altar boys. It shows I was one of the five altar boys that were on the solemn set. I was the #2 acolyte and we served the special solemn-high masses and all sorts of other special religious ceremonies throughout the year.
This is my University of Cincinnati class ring. I should have picked the red stone. Why I went with orange is beyond me. Orange is not one of my favorite colors!
This is a US Civil War bullet given to me by a friend. It was found on a battlefield in Virginia. You don't want to be on the receiving end of such a large-caliber projectile.
A study by the National Association of Realtors Research Group recently found that U.S. homeowners spend approximately $300 billion a year on home repairs and home renovations. That same study found that replacing a roof — whether it’s because the roof was leaking, very old, or simply aesthetically unappealing — was one of the very few home renovation projects that actually improved a home’s real estate value. But roof replacement costs can skyrocket without proper planning and education.
If you’re looking for accurate cost information related to roof replacement, you’re in the right spot. In this homeowner’s guide to roof replacement costs, you will learn:
The average cost to replace a roof
The nine most popular roofing materials and their average costs
The average cost to replace different architectural styles (e.g. flat roof versus butterfly roof)
The roof replacement process
When to replace your roof versus when to repair your roof
Additional roof replacement costs and fees to budget for
How to save money on the total cost
What Is The Average Cost To Replace A Roof?
Your roof can make up as much as a third or more of a home's exterior square footage, so it should be no surprise that replacing a roof can cost a sizable sum. According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing a roof costs an average of $7,500.
Specific factors, such as the materials you choose to use and the cost of labor in your specific state or city, can dramatically affect your roof replacement budget.
For example, real estate market data compiled by the Farnsworth Group found that replacing a 3,000-square-foot rectangular hip roof with standing seam metal roofing cost an estimated $10,000 less in states like Iowa and Kansas compared to California and other West Coast states.
Even the time of year matters, warns the University of Alabama: Start your roofing project in the early summer when construction projects are at their peak and labor shortages are at their highest, and you can expect your renovation costs to increase accordingly.
To help you better budget your roof replacement project, let’s discuss some of those individual factors, starting with the specific roofing materials you can choose from.
What Is The Average Cost Of Materials For Roof Replacement?
Each type of roofing material has its own distinct pros and cons.
Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles
Cost: $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot
Pros: New shingles are very budget-friendly and easier to install if you want to do it yourself
Cons: Tab shingles may have a shorter lifespan depending on your climate
Metal
Cost: $3 to $18 per square foot roof
Pros: A metal roof has exceptional durability
Cons: Some homeowners find it very loud when it’s raining, hailing, etc.
Tile
Cost: $8 to $18 per square foot
Pros: Very attractive, durable, and fire-resistant
Cons: A tile roof can be very heavy and it may require extra structural reinforcement
Slate
Cost: $3.50 to $6 per square foot
Pros: A slate roof is attractive, and it can last hundreds of years with the right maintenance
Cons: Very heavy and it may require extra structural reinforcement
Wood Or Cedar Shake
Cost: $4.80 per square foot
Pros: Environmentally friendly and has a rustic charm to it
Cons: Requires a lot of maintenance to prevent leaks, cracks, etc.
Rubber
Cost: $7.50 to $9 per square foot
Pros: Easy to install and very durable
Cons: Some homeowners may not like the aesthetics of rubber roofing
Solar
Cost: $22 per square foot
Pros: High-end technology that looks like regular roofing, but generates solar power for your home
Cons: Very expensive
Copper
Cost: $11 to $15 per square foot
Pros: Signature, classy appearance that's very durable if well-maintained
Cons: Expensive, and requires specialized skills to install
Stone-Coated Steel
Cost: $4 to $5.59 per square foot
Pros: Low-maintenance, durable, and aesthetically versatile
Cons: May be noisy during bad weather
The above estimates are quotes by the sq. ft. However, when you solicit a quote from a roofer, the average roof estimate will typically feature the term "roofing square." This is a 100-sq. ft measurement.
What Is The Average Cost For Each Type Of Roof Replacement?
The roofing materials you choose (e.g. asphalt shingle roof versus architectural shingles) are one of two major costs in your roof replacement project.
The second major factor in the cost of a new roof is the actual roof structure itself. Different roof styles have different construction costs when installing them. Below, you’ll find a quick summary of the six most common roof types, and the average replacement costs for a standard 1,500-square-foot home.
Flat Roof
A flat roof (which isn't actually flat, but usually has a slight pitch for drainage) is common in classic architecture and tropical climates. Installing a flat roof can range in price from $6,000 to $15,000, plus the cost of the roofing materials.
A-Frame Roof
The A-frame roof began to grow in popularity in the mid-1900s, and is especially popular on the West Coast. Because of their simple structure, replacing an A-frame is gentler on the budget and rings in between $5,000 and $8,000.
Gable Roof
The gable roof is your quintessential roof style and has numerous spinoffs inspired by this classic look. You can expect to pay $12,000 to $18,000 to replace your existing roof with a gable roof, plus the cost of roofing materials.
Hipped Roof
The hip roof is very durable in windy climates because the high slope helps funnel wind away from the home's structure. Because of the more complex structure, hip roofs are pricier than other styles and tend to average around $20,000 or more.
Butterfly Roof
The butterfly roof is commonly seen in more modern homes. Average prices are $9,000 to $15,000.
Mansard Roof
This roof style is inspired by French architecture. The multi-pitch slopes and your typical built-in dormers and windows drive up the price, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 for this roof style.
The Roof Installation Process: How Do You Install A New Roof?
Once you’ve signed off on the budget and terms for your roof replacement project, your contractor will start the work of removing your existing roof and installing a new roof.
First, the old roofing material is removed and either disposed of or recycled. An estimated 11 million pounds of asphalt shingles end up in landfills every year. Once the old roofing is gone, your contractor can inspect the underlying bare wood sheathing.
This sheathing gets evaluated and inspected, with your roofer looking for soft spots, moisture, and other signs of structural problems. Repairs are done if necessary because the underlying sheathing provides the support necessary for a healthy, long-lasting roof.
If everything passes inspection, an ice-barrier membrane and a synthetic underlayment get installed. This keeps moisture at bay and is an integral part of your roofing system (which refers to flashing, accessories, vapor barriers, etc.).
Finally, the new roofing material is installed.
Check out the video below for installing asphalt shingle roofing:
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement: When Should You Replace Your Roof Or Repair It?
All roofs will need to be replaced at some point, but exactly when a re-roof is needed will vary. If you do a roof replacement too soon, you might be wasting your time and money. But if you put it off for too long, you may cause secondary damage, like water damage in your ceilings and mold growth in your walls.
It all comes down to the structural integrity of your roof. At a certain point, a roof’s health and structural integrity become so compromised that it’s no longer safe.
When trying to determine your course of action, ask yourself a few key questions:
What’s the age of the roof? Many roofs start needing to be replaced around the 20-year mark.
What are your personal plans for living in the house? If the roof is in mostly good shape and you plan to sell in a few years, small repairs may make more sense than a complete roof replacement.
What are the specific problems? If it's just a broken or torn shingle here or there, a repair is quicker and cheaper. But if you have widespread problems with leaks and moisture, a replacement may be needed.
Keep in mind that it’s not always an all-or-nothing, zero-sum game either. In some cases, a partial roof replacement may make more sense than a total roof replacement. It all comes down to inspecting the entire roof and determining the extent of the damage.
What Are The Labor Costs Of Roof Repair and Replacing A Roof?
Besides the cost of materials, you’re also paying for your roofer's expertise and labor (e.g. removing old roofing material, disposing of the material, cutting and sizing new material, etc.). The labor costs for replacing a roof can vary depending on:
Your roof style: A simple flat roof is much easier to work with than a complex hipped roof or butterfly roof, so labor costs will ebb and flow accordingly.
Your roof material: Some materials, like a metal roof, need to be custom sized and cut by your contractor. Others, such as clay tile, may require the roofer to install extra support to hold up the clay tiles' weight.
The time of year: Labor costs rise during cold, winter months and during the busy summer months.
You can expect approximately 50% to 60% of your roofing budget to go towards labor and overhead costs, with labor itself usually costing an average of $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
Roof Installation Budget: What Are Additional Costs If You Need To Replace Your Roof?
Once your contractor starts the work, it’s not unusual for you to sign off on additional costs that arise as the roofing team tears off the existing material and begins the installation process.
During the project, your roofer may discover additional problems or factors that may add additional expenses to your roof replacement, such as:
Leaking chimney flashing
Leaking skylight flashing
Fascia and soffit damage
Gutter damage
Difficulty removing the old roofing due to poor installation from the previous homeowner
When your contractor is creating a quote, be sure to ask about the average costs of these potential problems. A reputable roofing company always includes these in their estimates, and it varies from region to region.
For instance, flashing replacement can cost as little as $200 per skylight, or as much as $500 per skylight. Gutter replacement costs can also vary widely depending on the extent of the damage, the height of your home (e.g. two-story versus single-story), the roof size, etc.
How To Save Money On Roof Replacement Costs?
Below you can find some additional tips on how to reduce your roof replacement costs and save money on your roofing budget.
1. Hire a Professional Roofer
While you may be tempted to do it yourself, a roof replacement is a very sizable project. Cutting corners on the planning and construction phase can cause costly problems down the road that more than negate the “savings” you might have experienced going it alone.
When you hire a professional, you can catch problems (e.g. damaged timbers) before they cause bigger issues. You ensure protective elements, like ice proofing, is properly installed. And you can rest assured that the roofing materials used are appropriate for your local climate, your home’s design, your local building codes, and the slope of your roof.
2. Get Multiple Quotes and Plan Ahead
A last-minute roof replacement, requested at the peak of construction season (late spring to early summer), will always cost more. Plan ahead so you aren’t paying premium pricing simply due to the time of year. Doing a roof replacement during the off-season can save you hundreds of dollars.
Additionally, don’t be shy about soliciting multiple quotes from different roofing contractors. Compare those quotes with online reviews. The lowest bid isn’t always the “cheapest” in the long run, because they may not use quality roof materials or stick with their promised schedule.
3. Consider an Overlay
An overlay is when new roofing materials are installed over your current ones. This can dramatically cut back on labor costs since the old roof doesn’t need to be stripped off and disposed of.
However, this approach isn’t always appropriate. Your contractor can give you guidance based on your roofing material, the manufacturer’s warranty on materials, etc.
4. Make It a Partial DIY Project
If you have the knowledge and skills, doing some of the work yourself can save on labor hours. For example, you could remove your old roofing material yourself before your contractor arrives on the job site.
5. Consult Your Homeowners Insurance
Some damage that requires re-roofing may be due to situations covered by your homeowners insurance policy, such as wind damage to old shingles. Contact them to see what's covered in your specific policy. This can help save you a lot on home improvement installation costs.
Foundation Repair: How Much Does It Cost? (2021 Pricing Estimates)
Your foundation is the footing of your entire home. It's the 24/7 soldier that keeps your floor, walls, windows, doors, and possessions safe and secure. So, what happens when it starts to fail? You may notice a door that doesn't shut quite right, a section of the floor that seems to be sagging, or even a few cracks in the walls of your foundation.
Don't panic! You have options. Whether your foundation is cracking, crumbling, shifting, or leaking, there are a variety of repair options at your fingertips.
The cost of foundation repair depends on the amount of labor, materials, and the type of damage. But here's a big secret: it costs upwards of $50,000 to replace a house's foundation completely. Fortunately, most repair options don't involve ripping out your foundation and starting from square one. In fact, repairing your foundation may cost less than you think.
So, let's break it down.
In this guide, you'll learn:
The average cost of foundation repair
The cost to repair a variety of foundation issues
The costs associated with specific foundation repair techniques
How foundations are repaired
Why you should definitely repair that troublesome foundation
And some helpful info on homeowners insurance and the overall cost-effectiveness of foundation repair
How Much Does it Cost To Fix Your Foundation Problem?
Foundations are impacted by a variety of issues affecting their original position, including crumbling, bowing, cracking, sinking, shifting, and leakage. Each of these issues requires specific equipment, tools, and labor. So, the price of a foundation repair varies significantly. You could spend as little as $200 for a quick epoxy fill on a minor crack or as much as $25,000 on a complete gutter replacement, reinforcement, helical piers, and sealant.
What is the Average Foundation Repair Cost?
We find the average cost to repair a foundation to be $4,000. However, this price is averaged across a wide range of prices. The truth is, the majority of concrete foundation repairs are simple epoxy fills. In more complex situations, foundation repair costs upwards of $25,000 or more. So, there are plenty of nuances when it comes to foundation repair.
To help, let's break down the costs involved with different types of foundation issues.
Horizontal Foundation Crack Repair Cost
Seeing vertical or diagonal cracks in your foundation can be a terrifying experience. But those types of cracks rarely indicate a serious structural problem, and most repairs involve filling in the cracks with epoxy or polyurethane injections. However, horizontal cracks are a different story.
Many horizontal cracks threaten the integrity of your foundation's structure, and failing to fix these cracks can lead to catastrophic events like total building collapse. Unfortunately, large horizontal cracks may require a total reinforcement of the wall — which can drive the repair costs up.
Cracks that run horizontally against your foundation can be caused by:
Frost heave
Soil pressure
Physical damage
Stairs, porches, or other anchored objects
Landslides or other catastrophic events
Luckily, cracks are one of the more budget-friendly foundation repairs. The average cost of fixing a small horizontal crack is around $300. For larger cracks, expect to pay $800 or more depending on their severity, size, and location.
Foundation Erosion Repair Cost
When water slowly eats away at the soil underneath your foundation sometimes as a result of poor drainage, it can cause erosion — which leaves your foundation without a foundation of its own. Over time, this lack of foundation support can lead to cracking, sinking, shifting, and bowing. Depending on the severity of the erosion, you may need to have the area filled with concrete or structurally reinforced.
Soil erosion is almost always caused by poor draining. Properly installed gutters and downspouts should keep the majority of rainwater away from your foundation soil. There are various minor improvements you can make, such as effective gardening and soil hardening to mitigate some erosion damage, but faulty drainage will almost always outpace any fringe lawn improvements you create.
Depending on the severity of the erosion, you may need to fill in the area with concrete, reinforce the walls, or completely redo your drainage system. The pricing for these repairs ranges from around $1,000 for simple reinforcement up to $11,000 for reinforcement and total gutter repair.
Foundation Leak Repair Cost
Leaky foundations can quickly spiral out-of-control, resulting in cracks, bowing, or sinking. Again, the result of poor drainage can really impact your foundation. Typically, homeowners notice leaks when they find water or water damage on or around their foundation. Another tell-tale sign is efflorescence — a powdery white substance left over after water evaporates — around foundation walls.
The easiest way to deal with a leak is to find the source and fix it. If the leak is coming from a single crack, this process is relatively easy, and it should only cost around $300 to $1,000. However, most leaks come from multiple sources and happen when soil shifts beneath the foundation. When this happens, you may need to seal and waterproof your foundation, which can cost between $2,500 and $10,000, depending on the size and scope of the foundation. Additionally, significant leakage may require sump pump installation, which can add an extra $500 to $1,000 to the cost.
Sinking Foundation Repair Cost
Are your doors difficult to shut? Do you notice the floor in a room of your house sinking in a little? If so, you may have a sinking foundation. Depending on the severity of the issue, as well as the soil around your home, sinking foundations are fixed in a few different ways.
Mudjacking — which involves drilling small holes into the foundation, pumping a cement slurry into the holes to make the foundation level, and then filling in the holes and correcting any cracks — is one common method of fixing a sinking foundation. The total cost for mudjacking ranges from $350 to $1,100. Alternatively, you may need to install hydraulic piers beneath the foundation. This process is often reserved for significant sinking, and pricing can range from $1,200 to $2,000 per pier.
Foundation Shifting Repair Cost
Most foundations shift a little when you apply pressure against them, but any significant shifting is an immediate cause for concern. Like other foundation issues, shifting or foundation settlement can lead to cracks, damage, or total collapse. Often times, homeowners notice shifting foundations on the exterior of their home. Doors and windows may seem misaligned, and there may be gaps between the garage door and the walls.
There are a variety of ways to fix a shifting foundation. It may need to be mudjacked, with pricing anywhere from $350 to $1,000. Alternatively, you may need piers installed (i.e., underpinning), which costs around $1,200 to $2,000 per pier. In rare cases, your walls may also need to be reinforced — especially if your issues are caused by certain types of soil or extreme weather events due to your location. Reinforcing can cost between $1,100 and $5,000, depending on the size of your home and type of foundation.
Bowing Foundation Wall Repair Cost
Bowing (i.e., walls that bend forward like a bow) is caused by a variety of factors, like water, pressure, or soil issues. Most often, you'll notice cracks along with the bowing, since the bowing process puts significant strain on your foundation. This is a critical issue. You should contact a structural engineer as soon as possible when you notice your foundation bowing. It costs far less to fix the issue when it's still relatively benign than it does to completely redo a crumbled foundation.
Depending on the cause and severity of the bowing, you may need piers installed, walls reinforced, or even wall anchors and straps installed. Expect to spend between $1,000 and $20,000 to fix bowing issues.
Crumbling Foundation Repair Costs
When it comes to severity, a crumbling foundation is near the top of the list. Most often, crumbling is the end result of bowing, water damage, or other issues that went unnoticed. Typically, crumbling requires complete wall reinforcements and possibly new drainage systems. This can cost between $1,000 and $11,000. However, slight crumbling caused by impact-based events may only require an epoxy fill, which costs around $300 to $1,000.
Check out the video below for the first of a three-part video on fixing your crumbling foundation:
Foundation Sealing and Waterproofing Cost
A significant chunk of foundation issues are caused by water. Often, the problem lies with drainage inefficiencies (poor drainage). But in some cases, water is a natural byproduct of the environment. For example, those who live in a flood-prone area may receive water damage regardless of their drainage systems. To remediate this issue, you should get your foundation sealed and waterproofed. Depending on the size and complexity of your foundation, this process costs between $2,500 and $10,000.
Foundation Damage Repair Methods?
Have you ever wondered how they repair your foundation? What goes into all of these costs? Are foundation repair companies really spending time, energy, and materials on my project? Here are a few foundation repair methods and what they entail.
Reinforce Foundation Cost
There are many ways to reinforce an unstable foundation. A reinforced retaining wall can be poured directly against existing foundation material, concrete strips can be placed in crucial weak zones, and carbon-fiber strips can be leveraged to give your wall extra support. Due to the variability of these methods, reinforcing foundations costs between $2,000 and $15,000. That's a wide range. But the level of damage, type of foundation, and method of reinforcement can vary significantly.
House Leveling Cost
To level a house, which is often performed on shifting foundations, contractors may use slabjacking or mudjacking. Slabjacking uses a polyurethane injection along with slabs to lift your foundation. Since polyurethane foam is a lightweight and nearly permanent solution, this process is often more effective than mudjacking in the long-term, but it also costs more. The average cost for slabjacking is $2,000 to $10,000.
Mudjacking uses a concrete slurry to lift your foundation. This is the "classic" way to fix a sinking foundation, and it costs between $350 to $1,100. Both methods will fix your issue, but one requires more specialized equipment and expertise from foundation repair contractors.
Foundation Underpinning Cost
Underpinning is a process that involves extending a foundation to help it rest on supportive soil. This process often starts by digging out a crawlspace underneath the foundation. Then, various methods (e.g., mass pour, beam and base, mini piled, etc.) will be used to extend the foundation further down into the soil. In a sense, you're adding more foundation. This process may involve piering, concrete slabs, or grout mixtures. The typical cost for underpinning ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the methods, number of piers, and size of the foundation.
Foundation Stabilization Cost
When most homeowners think of foundation stabilization, they think of reinforcement. But every method discussed above is considered part of stabilizing the foundation. These include:
Epoxy filling
Reinforcement
Underpinning
Mudjacking
Slabjacking
Waterproofing
Leak sealing
etc.
The average cost of foundation stabilization is $4,000, but prices can reach as high as $30,000.
What Happens If You Don't Repair Your Foundation Problems?
Home repairs are pesky expenses. Let's be honest: fixing a foundation isn't the flashiest way to spend your cash. So, many homeowners put off foundation repairs until "later" (which often never comes). Unfortunately, foundation repairs are the last thing you want to avoid. Problems start to compound. Let's say you have a few cracks that would cost around $300 to fix. If you avoid them, they may cause major structural problems like bowing, which could cost between $1,000 and $20,000 to fix.
In the worst-case scenario, you will be forced to replace the entire foundation due to unresolved issues. This costs between $35,000 and $55,000. It's less expensive and less headache-inducing to fix those foundation issues before they become catastrophic situations.
Is the Cost of Foundation Repair Covered by Insurance?
Technically, your foundation is covered by homeowners' insurance. It's part of your home. However, many homeowners insurance policies exclude specific scenarios like floods, sinking foundations, and soil pressure. You should contact your insurance provider to discuss the details.
Is It Worth It To Repair Your Foundation Damage?
The costs associated with foundation repairs are significantly less expensive than a total foundation replacement. Not only does repairing your foundation save you money, but it prevents foundation failure from injuring you, your property, or your loved ones. Additionally, repairing a foundation can significantly boost your home's resale value. In other words, repairing that sinking foundation should be at the top of your to-do list. It may not seem like the most flashy home improvement project, but it keeps your house in tip-top shape.
A fireplace is a beautiful and cozy addition to your home, but it is important to keep your chimney in good repair and up to code in order to prevent leaks, carbon monoxide and smoke intrusion, and chimney fires. Chimney damage can be caused by a number of issues, from inclement weather and earthquakes to simple weathering over time. When it's time to complete your chimney repairs, finding the right chimney repair service at the right price may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, if you are looking for accurate cost estimates related to chimney repair, you are in the right place!
In this guide, you will learn:
Average chimney repair costs, by component and material
Additional costs for chimney repairs and modifications
Costs for chimney removal and sealing
Whether homeowner insurance covers your chimney repairs
Ways to save money on your chimney repairs
What Is The Average Cost To Repair A Chimney?
The cost of repairing your chimney will depend greatly on the type of chimney, the components that must be repaired, their location, and the amount of damage to be repaired. Below is a short summary of the average cost per repair.
Chimney Crown Repair Cost
Chimney crowns are the first part of your chimney to be exposed to the elements, and unchecked damage can result in increasingly expensive damage to the rest of your chimney. The crown of your chimney is a slab of concrete that protects your chimney's flue, brick, and mortar from rain, pest intrusion, and keeping your roof safe from flying sparks.
The crown of your chimney can be damaged in a number of ways. Cracks can collect moisture, which can eat away at the cement, mortar, brick, or metal of your crown. It is therefore important to have your chimney crown repaired as soon as you detect a problem. Depending on the extent of the damage, your crown repair can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000. More extensive damage can increase your repair costs.
Cap Repair Cost
Your chimney cap is the metal cap perched at the top of the flue that prevents water leaks that can damage the interior of your chimney. Caps can become damaged due to extended exposure to moisture, high winds, hail, ice, and other inclement weather conditions. Fortunately, chimney cap replacement is relatively inexpensive, ranging from $60 to $250, depending on the cap material and whether you have it installed or DIY. As with any chimney component, it is critical to complete your cap replacement as soon as possible, as moisture leakage into your chimney can cause more expensive problems over time.
Chimney Flue Repair Cost
Your chimney flue is the clay, ceramic, or metal passage between your fireplace and the outdoors. Its purpose is to direct heat and fumes out of your home without causing damage to the surrounding area. Over time, your flue can be damaged by leaking water due to exterior deterioration, structural damage from an impact or earthquake, or extended exposure to high temperatures and smoke from chimney use. If your flue is unlined, the cost to repair damage to flue tiles or resurface a cracked flue interior can range from $65 to $100 per foot. If you need to install or replace a chimney liner or flue liner, expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,000, depending on the liner material, insulation requirements, flue length, and diameter.
Leak Repair Cost
Water leaks are the cause of most problems experienced by chimney owners. The cost of fixing a leak depends greatly on the location of the leak, the extent of the damage, and the type of material that must be repaired or replaced. A leaky chimney can be caused by cracks, rust or deterioration in the crown, cap, flue, liner, flashing, or masonry of your chimney. Your chimney sweep will often be able to detect a leak by noting the presence of creosote, or mineral buildup, on the brickwork of your chimney. To fix a leak, it is important not only to repair the source but to trace and repair any damage that has occurred as soon as possible.
Remember that every part of your chimney is constructed to direct harmful smoke, gases, and sparks out of your home. A damaged flue may not direct heat or smoke correctly, increasing the potential for smoke and heat to escape into your home. Similarly, a damaged damper, firebox, or smoke chamber can reduce the efficiency of your fireplace and allow smoke and fumes to blow back down the chimney and into your home. Cracked or deteriorated exterior components that have been eroded by moisture can allow excess heat and sparks to escape, significantly increasing the risk of fire. Left unchecked, a water leak can cause spalling and structural damage to your chimney that makes it very expensive to repair or replace, so time is of the essence.
Water damage from a leak is cumulative, so be sure to check your entire chimney for water damage. Due to the wide range of issues, repair costs for leaks vary widely, from under $100 to replace a cap to over $7,000 for a full flue replacement. If your damper has rusted due to a water leak, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for cleaning and rust removal. However, the costs will be higher if it is necessary to remove or replace chimney components.
Flashing Repair Cost
The flashing of your chimney is a protective layer of sealant material installed around the chimney where it meets your roof. The primary purpose of flashing is to act as a waterproofing sealer that prevents moisture from leaking around your chimney and roofline into your roofing, insulation, and interior. It is critical to repair chimney flashing as soon as a leak is detected, as water intrusion can cause rot, mold, microbial growth, and structural damage.
The cost of repairing or replacing your chimney flashing depends largely on the type of chimney and the amount of damage to be repaired. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 to replace the flashing, but repair costs will likely be higher if there is damage to surrounding areas.
Leaning Repair Cost
If your chimney is leaning, it is a sign of a serious problem that should be repaired as quickly as possible. Not only does a leaning chimney create gaps in your roof where pests and water can intrude, but there is also a risk of falling bricks and masonry from the top of the chimney. A leaning chimney is typically caused by a structural or foundation issue, which generally requires that the chimney foundation be repaired or replaced. Depending on the size and design of the chimney and the extent of the damage, repairs for a leaning chimney fall between $1,200 and $3,000.
What Is The Average Cost To Repair A Chimney By Material?
Chimney repair costs are largely dependent on the type of material that your chimney is made of. The two most common chimney materials are brick and stucco.
Brick Chimney
Repairing your brick and mortar chimney may be as simple as replacing and re-mortaring a few bricks, which can cost as little as $200 for small cracks and up to $2,000 for extensive repairs. For widespread water damage or foundation issues, costs can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.
Stucco Chimney
When caught early, cracks or damage to stucco can often be repaired at a cost between $8 and $50 per square foot. If there is more extensive damage to the stucco or the substrate that requires removal or replacement, the cost can increase by thousands of dollars.
Check out the video below for a comprehensive chimney repair checklist:
What Are Additional Costs For Repairing A Chimney?
In addition to component and structural repairs, masonry chimneys often require additional attention, including chimney repointing and re-mortaring.
Chimney Repoint Cost
Chimney repointing, also known as tuckpoint, is the process of re-applying mortar to the mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney to prevent cracks and leaks. Contractors will add new mortar, filling in the gaps and holes where the previous mortar has been worn away. In addition, they may add caulk to provide additional waterproofing. On average, you can expect to pay $10 per square foot for chimney repointing.
Chimney Re-Mortar Cost
Chimney re-mortaring is synonymous with chimney repointing and tuckpointing. As with repointing, it involves the reapplication of mortar to damaged and worn mortar in a brick and mortar chimney.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Chimney?
Whether your chimney is beyond repair due to age, earthquakes, weather, or other events, chimney removal can be expensive. Full chimney removal involves taking out the entire chimney, including the portion inside your house, so you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 or more. Should you choose to remove your chimney in full, be sure to consult with an engineer to ensure that the structural integrity of your home is not compromised, and determine whether a new chimney should be installed.
How Much Does It Cost To Seal A Chimney?
Rather than removing your chimney altogether, you can opt for partial removal, which involves removing only the visible outer stack and sealing the opening. This procedure is less expensive than full removal, with a cost between $400 and $1,000. Sealing your chimney can also help improve your overall energy efficiency by reducing unwanted airflow into and out of the home.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Chimney Repair?
Homeowners insurance will sometimes cover your chimney repair, but it depends on the terms of your policy and the nature of the damage. If, for example, your chimney requires repairs due to flooding or other water damage, your homeowner's insurance may not cover repairs, though your flood insurance might. When obtaining estimates for your chimney repairs, be sure to contact your homeowners insurance to see whether they will cover the damage, what the coverage parameters are, and whether they have a preferred contractor.
How To Save Money Repairing A Chimney
Repairing a chimney can be an expensive endeavor, but there are a number of ways for you to save money repairing your chimney. First, be sure to contact your homeowners insurance carrier. Even if your policy does not cover damage to chimneys, insurance companies often partner with select companies to offer discounted rates.
Although the least expensive way to finance your chimney repair is to pay cash, there are also financing options available. If your contractor offers financing, be sure to read the contract thoroughly so that you are not subject to high fees and interest rates. Take the time to look into other financing options in order to find the best deal, and check with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to see if you are eligible for assistance such as FHA Title I Property Improvement Loans, which may offer better interest rates than private financing.
How to Hire a Chimney Repair Company
In addition to financing, you can save yourself money by thoroughly vetting your potential chimney repair companies. Many chimney repair companies offer free chimney inspections in order to assess the damage and provide you with an estimate. When selecting a company, be sure to get multiple bids that are apples-to-apples, with the same services, hourly estimates, materials, and warranties. Keep in mind that a very low estimate may be too good to be true, and check to ensure that there are no additional fees or add-ons that may bloat your repair costs after the work begins.
Chimney Maintenance and Timely Repair is Critical
To keep your chimney repair costs low, constant vigilance and regular chimney maintenance are key. If you believe your chimney requires attention, be sure to take care it as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to repair damage, the more costly repairs will become.
Does your thermostat scream in pain during the winter months? Are you looking for a way to save money on your energy bills? Heat pumps are a fantastic way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter without breaking the bank every month to pay your energy bills. Unlike traditional furnaces and air conditioning units, heat pumps don't hog electricity and gas, or propane. Instead, they rely on alternative heating and cooling sources (e.g., refrigerant, the sun, the ground, etc.)
But what are heat pump prices? What are heat pump operating costs? And how much does it cost to install heat pumps?
Don't worry. We've got your back. In this in-depth guide to heat pump costs, you'll learn:
The average cost of heat pumps
The different types of heat pumps and their costs
What heat pumps are and how their energy-efficiency is measured
The labor costs to replace heat pumps
Some of the hidden costs associated with heat pump installation you may be missing
And how to save some cash during the heat pump installation process
What Is The Average Cost Of Heat Pump Replacement?
The cost of installing a heat pump varies based on a number of factors. The size of your home, type of heat pump, brand, efficiency, labor costs, and contractor rates all play a role in your overall cost. The average cost for replacement ranges from $3,700 to $7,900, but some pumps may cost as much as $25,000 or as little as $2,000 to install.
Of course, more expensive heat pumps often offer better energy-efficiency ratings, which can end up saving you significant money over the course of the pump's life. So, choosing a pump isn't always a straightforward decision.
What Are The Different Types Of Heat Pumps And Their Cost?
Air Source
Are you looking for a quiet, environmentally-friendly, and energy-efficient HVAC system that can provide a 1.5 to 3x energy ratio? Air source heat pumps use refrigerants and a heat exchanger coil to cool or heat the air during winter or summer months. During the winter, air-source heat pumps pull in cold air from the outside, uses cold refrigerant to attract heat from the air, and pulls that hotter air through a compressor for further heating before sending it through your air ducts. In an essence, air-source heat pumps are refrigerant-based air condensers. During summer months, the air-source pump works in reverse, pulling hot air out of your home and channeling it outside, which helps it act as an air conditioning solution.
The costs associated with installing an air source heat pump include:
The size of the system
The complexity of the installation
The brand name of the system
The energy-efficiency of the system
The type of system (e.g., ductless, central ducted, etc.)
The average cost to install an air source heat pump is $2,000 to $10,000, but small, ductless pumps can cost as little as $800.
Here are some price ranges associated with common heat pump brands:
$1,000 - $1,999: DuctlessAire, York, Daikin, Coleman
$3,000 - $6,000: Trane, Lennox, Carrier, American Standard
In addition to these brand costs, the labor and material costs of your contractor play a significant role in your total bill. The pricing often varies by location and cost-of-living, with high-cost areas like California costing significantly more than low-cost areas like Oklahoma.
Geothermal
When it comes to complexity, scale, and energy-savings, geothermal heat pumps take the cake. These intricate systems use the natural temperature of the earth to keep your home heated or cooled. Believe it or not, the temperature 20 to 30 feet below ground remains at a constant ~60 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal systems involve underground pipes that carry this underground air to a heating pump that uses refrigerant. Alternatively, hot air is pumped from inside your home to underground during the summer months.
Here's the crazy part: geothermal systems supply 4 units of heat energy for every 1 unit of energy supplied to the system. That's a whopping 400% efficiency rating. Some of the top-line units are over 500% efficient! Better yet, geothermal heat pumps last around 50 years, making them a long-term HVAC investment.
However, due to the size and complexity of these systems (as well as the digging and piping involved), geothermal heat pumps can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 to install. Again, the end price will depend on the square footage of your home, the brand of the pump, and your overall system setup.
Ductless Mini-Split
The most popular type of air-source heat pump for homeowners is the ductless mini-split system pump. This pump requires no central A/C or ducts to operate efficiently, and it derives all of its air from an outdoor unit. So, this is a fully-efficient, stand-alone HVAC system. Like other air-source heat pumps, ductless mini-splits use refrigerant to attract the heat from colder air using an evaporator and then warm it using a compressor before pumping it indoors. The average cost for a ductless mini-split heat pump is $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the model.
Solar
Did you know you can heat your home using the biggest source of heat in the solar system? Solar-assisted heat pumps combine solar panels, and traditional heat pumps to drive hefty HVAC energy-savings. There are two major costs associated with installing solar-assisted heat pumps:
Solar panels: The average cost to install solar panels is $15,000 to $25,000.
The heat pump system: The average cost of a heat pump system is $2,000 to $8,000.
Note: There are tax credits for purchasing solar panels that may apply to your solar-assisted heat pump installation. Currently, there is a 22% rebate for solar systems installed before 12/31/2021.
Dual Fuel Hybrid
For homes that already have a furnace and ductwork installed, dual fuel hybrids represent an easy and affordable way to cut energy costs during the winter months. Dual fuel hybrid systems utilize both a furnace and a heat pump, giving you the best of both worlds. Dual fuel hybrids aren't as energy-efficient as geothermal systems or solar-assisted systems, but they're cost-effective, easy-to-install, and perfect for cold climates where air-source heat pumps may have a harder time heating a home.
The average cost for a dual fuel hybrid system ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 for just the pump, to $6,000 to $12,000 for a furnace and a pump.
Gas System
What if you live in an area where electricity is expensive, but you don't have the cash to invest in a complete solar setup? Gas systems let you run your heat pump completely on natural gas. These systems are ideal for a remote location. Believe it or not, gas systems (gas heat pump and/or gas furnace) are more environmentally-friendly than electrically-powered air source pumps, but they lose out to geothermal and solar systems both in terms of lifetime costs and environmental waste.
The average cost for a gas system is $3,500 to $10,000, depending on the size, brand, and efficiency rating.
What Are High-Efficiency Heat Pump Costs?
Heat pump efficiency is measured by two standards:
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER rating)
HSPF is used for heating, and SEER is used for cooling standards.
In both cases, the higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump. The Department of Energy places minimum standards on SEER ratings for residents of various states. Currently, the lowest acceptable standard in the United States is 13 SEER. Some of the most energy-efficient systems can reach over 19 SEER — which is incredibly efficient.
Similarly, the lowest minimum standard of HSPF is 7, with some of the higher-end brands reaching +10 HSPF.
The typical costs for each of these ratings are as follows:
13-14 SEER / 7-8 HSPF
7 - 8 HSPF heat pumps cost around $1,000 to $2,000 on average. The pricing for installation is between $3,000 and $6,000. Remember, these are the lowest acceptable minimum. It's important to understand that buying a system with 13 SEER and 7 HSPF may leave you in a tight spot during one of the seasons. The Department of Energy recommends a 14 SEER minimum for the South and Midwest and an 8 HSPF minimum for the Northern states.
15-16 SEER / 8-9 HSPF
Mid-tier heat pumps with 8 - 9 HSPF cost $1,500 to $2,500 on average. The installation price is between $5,000 and $6,500.
17-18 SEER / 9-10 HSFP
In the 9 - 10 HSPF range, we enter some of the more expensive and renowned brands. The average cost for one of these units is around $2,000 to $4,000, and the installation costs are between $6,000 and $7,500.
19+ SEER / 10+ HSFP
Finally, when you reach the upper-crust of heat pumps, you can expect to pay a pretty penny. 10+ HSFP heat pumps cost between $3,000 and $4,500, and the installation costs are around $7,000 to $10,000.
What Are The Labor Costs For Heat Pump Replacement?
Whether you purchase a new heat pump or a used unit, you will almost certainly have to pay one flat cost: labor. Heat pump units are heavy, complicated, and incredibly labor-intensive to install. So, the vast majority of homeowners hire an HVAC contractor to install their system. Heat pump installation costs vary by area, but you can expect to pay between $70 to $150 per hour.
The type of system you purchase will dictate how long the installation process takes. A geothermal, which uses ground-source energy, may take +40 hours to install. A ductless system may only take 5 - 10 hours. So, the pricing of your installation will vary based on your duct system, existing equipment, square footage, brand, unit type, and unit size.
Are There Additional Costs For Replacing A Heat Pump?
The pricing on heat pumps isn't always flat. Despite the static upfront cost of the heat pump unit, the costs of labor and materials vary significantly. One of the biggest hidden costs is recycling. If you have an old central air conditioner/cooling system or heating system, your installer may need to haul it away. Additionally, you can purchase warranties, service contracts, and other additional services for extra money.
The average cost for a warranty and service contract is around $1,000 over the course of 10 years. Remember, heat pump repair costs can range from $150 and $500, so this warranty may be worth the price, especially on more expensive or complex systems.
How Long Does A Replaced Heat Pump Last?
Heat pumps don't last forever. Any air handler unit will eventually receive enough wear and tear to break down. Fortunately, the average heat pump lasts a whopping 12 to 30 years, so they aren't short-lived systems. However, the brand and construction quality of your unit (as well as servicing frequency) play a role in the longevity of your system.
How To Save Money On Heat Pump Replacement?
As a homeowner, finding ways to save money is always front-of-mind. In fact, you probably chose a heat pump because it helps cut down on your energy bills. New systems may have the bells-and-whistles, but used heat pumps can help save you some serious upfront money. There are drawbacks to used units. They may die out sooner, and they may be less energy-efficient which won't help your utility bills. So, you need to weigh your options carefully.
There are plenty of unique ways to save money on heat pumps, but each has its downfalls. Used units may die out sooner. Rebates are only available for more expensive solar systems. And cheaper contractors may perform a less diligent service.
Keep these factors in mind when choosing a new heat pump and make sure to weigh all your options.
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Hiro was kind enough to send me my unique digital seal made with Kanji. It's just above. Seals are often used instead of signatures in Japan. Pretty cool, right?
