by Hope
After the heat going out right before Christmas and then again at the beginning of January, the first thing I had to address was getting heat in the house. I was able to immediately borrow some space heaters from Sunday school friends and we were able to live comfortably in our rooms while I figured out a long term solution.
I felt like I had few options and even less considering my job loss and dire financial situation. Therefore, I was just going to stick with using the space heaters and suck it up until something changes. But there was something that I hadn’t considered…the pipes in my house. Heat is used not only to keep us warm, but keep our pipes from bursting and it has already been the coldest winter since I’ve been in Georgia.
I just hadn’t though of it from this perspective. But my dad quickly pointed this out.
New Furnace for Me
Thankfully, my dad graciously offered to loan me the money for the new furnace. The total was $2,600. And the contractor was able to do it that week. So within two weeks, I had heat in my home again. And my dad, knowing my situation said that I can pay him back when I can.
Unfortunately, I did add this to my debt load. But I really couldn’t find any other way to deal with it and avoid even further expenses should my pipes burst, etc. I realize how fortunate I am to have a father who was willing to loan me that amount with no interest and timeline for repayment.
Thankfully this was the first major “emergency” I’ve had with my home since I purchased it. And hopefully with a new roof, new electric, new appliances, major work done to A/C at purchase and now a new furnace, I can avoid any additional costly issues for a little while.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
First are you ever going to ok posts or are we talking to ourselves? Funny I live in PA and our heating and cooling guy said we will probably need a new furnace next year at a cost of $5,000. I live in a small ranch and wonder why my cost is so high or yours is so low?
That I don’t know. I was pleasantly surprised it was so low. They simply replaced my existing unit with a new one by the same maker. I’m sure part of it is living in a small town.
They did tell me if I had to do both my furnace and A/C it would run around $8,000 but he assured me all the “new” of my A/C is in good working order.
I wonder if what you got was a heat pump.
Hope, I am worried about you. Can the fast food place give you any extra hours in the kitchen or behind the counter? Have you applied at the nearest Wal Mart?
No, it’s a furnace. We had a heat pump in one of our many rental homes years ago, and I will never do that again. It couldn’t keep up with the cold at all.
I think you are being ripped off. I live in Chicago and had to replace my furance. I have a 2500SF home and it cost me less than $3k.
$2600 actually seems incredibly cheap for a furnace replacement.
I live in PA and live in a 1200 sf ranch home. my quote is for $5,000 for a furnace only. I think 2,600 is a low price.