That's the equivalent of what is heating our house right now.
We had a routine maintenance check of our 17-year-old heat pump and 25-year-old furnace today. The guy came back inside really fast and said, "Hey, did you know that your heat pump hasn't been kicking on? It has snow on the fan blades!"
This was news to Scott (who fortunately was working from home today). Most people don't learn this until they get a horrendous electric bill a month later. We're fortunate that we found out so soon.
We knew when we bought the house that, in the words of the inspector, we had the equivalent of a 90-year-old man for a heat pump. It could die the next day or go on for another few years. No way to know. So we set aside some money, knowing it was just a matter of time. We were hoping for a year or two. But at least we have the means to take care of it!
Tonight we remembered that we might possibly have another option. We got a home warranty included in the contract when we bought this house. Our realtor was really down on them, saying that most of the time the guys who come out to do warranty work will duct-tape everything back together and try to keep it hobbling along until the warranty expires. But we figure it's worth a shot. We'll call tomorrow and hope that whoever they send out will forget their roll of duct tape and just spring for a new unit.
But meanwhile, we're on super-expensive auxiliary power. Good thing I've been working extra hours this month! I think we'll need the extra cash to pay our electric bill!
