When "it" happens

[Mike Webb]

Hi BP! So I purchased a duplex in August, fixed it up and have both sides rented. Things have been going relatively well and I have been learning tons as I go through the process of inspections, screening, repairs, tenant management, etc. Well...today I got the first 2 calls that are "trying". The compressor and heat pump all but quit working and won't heat the unit over 65 degrees (even after doing preventative work on them while it was vacant). I had our HVAC guy I have been using look at it, he said it is 12-15 years old and to repair them is pretty much wasting money as they are going to be band-aids and possibly not work at all. To replace them is going to be around 4 grand. Then...our other tenant calls and says there was "water everywhere" this morning in their 2nd floor bathroom. It appears the toilet tank overflowed and continued to run. Now there is drywall damage and some wet flooring. Not what I was looking for on a Monday (or any day) but if it was easy, everyone would do it. Right?! I couldn't help but to think of podcast #51!

[Edward Burns]

I do not know where the duplex is located but Heat Pumps do not work well when outside temperatures are in the 30's or lower and with most of the country under an artic freeze I would not jump to conclusions based on his statement. You should have a back-up heating system where heat pumps are used in the northern part of the country.