Cost of service and repair can be costly according to the National Home Service Contract Association. A home service contract is a good option.
(Lenexa, KS) — There are many items to consider when purchasing an existing home. Many buyers, especially those in the market for their first home, look at the sale price to determine if they can afford to buy. The National Home Service Contract Association, the industry trade organization serving home service contract providers and consumer interests, strong suggests that consumers factor in the cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of major appliances and homes systems when budgeting for a home. Knowing the “life expectancy” of those systems is key.
Take for example an air conditioning system. Most AC systems have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. If you are considering the purchase of a home that is over 15 years old, with the original system, you could be living on borrowed time. Three years or three months? Who knows? It’s a guessing game, but the only thing that is often certain is that when it does go, it will be at the most inopportune time. Considering that the average cost to replace and install an average air conditioning system is $4,500 – $6,500, doing a little upfront research is a pretty good idea.
You can protect yourself from many of these budget busters by purchasing a home service contract form a member of the NHSCA.
The following is a list of averages for many of the appliances and electronic systems in your home based on the most recent research from The National Association of Home Builders:
- gas ranges – 15 years
- dryers and refrigerators – 13 years
- washers – 10 years
- compactors – 6 years
- dishwashers – 9 years
- microwave ovens – 9 years
- HVAC – 15-20 years
- furnaces – 15-20 years
- tankless water heaters – 20 years
- electric or gas water heater – 10 years
- heat pumps -16 years
- air conditioning – 10 to 15years
- garage doors – 10 to 15 years
Home service contracts provide service, repair or even replacement on a home’s major systems and appliances. At an average range of $350 – $550 for a year, these contracts typically cover items such as heating systems, interior plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. Other items such as pools, spas and septic tanks may be added at an additional fee. As always, we suggest you consult with your real estate agent for guidance.
The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry and consumer information, visit https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.
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