NateW
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2011
- Messages
- 425
I'm concerned that if the pandemic gets worse (and all signs seem to indicate it will), critical replacement parts for home systems and cars will be unobtainable.
I perform all maintenance and repairs on everything in our house and cars and am seriously considering purchasing replacement parts for some of the home systems and cars to keep them up and running.
For the furnace (it's 8 years old) I am considering stocking a replacement blower motor, draft inducer, main control board, electric gas valve, all sensors, igniter, a couple of switches and a few gaskets. Cost is approximately $1400 for these parts. In researching prices, I discovered the blower motor superceded to a new part number twice and takes 3+ weeks to get (special order). This is the part I am most concerned about because we run the fan continuously to cut down on house dust (and use a 5 inch thick MERV 11 furnace filter).
Also, the water heater could fail any day (8 years old, 6 year warranty and water softener in use, anode rod never replaced). I could buy a replacement water heater at the big box store and keep it in our basement, along with an assortment of cpvc pipe and fittings (I've replaced water heaters before).
For the car, I'd replace the 6 year old battery and get a few filters and oil.
The downside to buying these parts is the majority of them may not be used (I am confident we would use the replacement water heater at some point).
If you were able to replace these parts yourself and had ample funds to purchase them now, would you, knowing you may not need them?
Also, any other items or parts you would keep on hand?
Any input appreciated; thanks.
I perform all maintenance and repairs on everything in our house and cars and am seriously considering purchasing replacement parts for some of the home systems and cars to keep them up and running.
For the furnace (it's 8 years old) I am considering stocking a replacement blower motor, draft inducer, main control board, electric gas valve, all sensors, igniter, a couple of switches and a few gaskets. Cost is approximately $1400 for these parts. In researching prices, I discovered the blower motor superceded to a new part number twice and takes 3+ weeks to get (special order). This is the part I am most concerned about because we run the fan continuously to cut down on house dust (and use a 5 inch thick MERV 11 furnace filter).
Also, the water heater could fail any day (8 years old, 6 year warranty and water softener in use, anode rod never replaced). I could buy a replacement water heater at the big box store and keep it in our basement, along with an assortment of cpvc pipe and fittings (I've replaced water heaters before).
For the car, I'd replace the 6 year old battery and get a few filters and oil.
The downside to buying these parts is the majority of them may not be used (I am confident we would use the replacement water heater at some point).
If you were able to replace these parts yourself and had ample funds to purchase them now, would you, knowing you may not need them?
Also, any other items or parts you would keep on hand?
Any input appreciated; thanks.
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