First up was the toilets, they worked but we noticed they were very slow to flush and it would require more than one flush to get rid of toilet paper. Out with the old and in with 3 new high efficiency replacements.
The other was the dozy - the A/C. When we had our inspection done our inspector told us that the return differential wasn't as much as it should have been, the downstairs unit was 8 degrees and the upstairs was 6 degrees (both should have been in the 14-22 degree range). It was listed as a major concern and should be serviced so the HVAC systems would function properly. We had the sellers service the systems and provide a receipt prior to closing put they said they would not repair (which was a big warning to us, but we still really loved the house so we pressed on hoping that it would hold out for a while). The A/C worked during our first night and for the next couple of weeks but it wasn't getting as cold in the house as it should. One night I went over to meet with a window replacement guy and headed upstairs to find that it was 94 degrees...ridiculous!
The original systems from '98-'99
Trying to make a long story short, we called upon our service warranty company who did send out a local technician. That tech saw that the outside units were frozen, unplugged them from the wall and said that someone would come out the next day once the units thawed out. The tech the next day looked around in the attic and outside for about 45 mins before getting our service company on the phone because he needed permission to continue on. We sent over our inspection and service receipt from sellers but in the end the warranty company said they could not cover fixing it due to there being no proof that the sellers fixed the issue, just did a tune up.
Looking up the costs of 2 new units left my jaw on the floor. It's like buying a new car!! I like to think that after the initial shock at the price, I handled it pretty well. I called a couple of BBB accredited companies to discuss prices of replacements before deciding on one company to come out and check out our situation. Since our systems were so old, the standard today is much different then back in 98/99 when our systems were put in. There was corrosion in the coils which resulted in two major leaks in our attic and at least one other leak was found in the outside unit as well. With the old systems, its harder to find replacement parts as companies are no longer making 10 SEER systems. Couple that with the fact that freon is no longer allowed to be used in newer systems as of 2010 (making freon replacement expensive as well), we made the decision to replace both units.
So many pieces to the puzzle
The new 16 SEER HVAC systems were costly, (I think it's one of the 3 biggest possible expenses with a house along with a new roof and foundation issues) but it needed to be done and we are very thankful to be able to be in our house without sweat running down our faces.
Our new systems that actually cool the house
Did you have any repairs or replacements in your first couple of months of owning a home?
