Are Old Systems Always Bad?

Years ago, I had a client who was buying a gorgeous bungalow in the Highlands with some of the best original built-ins I’ve ever seen. It was meticulously updated throughout – except for one system. The boiler. It was the original unit from the early 1900s.

During our inspection the first person we had out to look at it immediately said it needed to be replaced. It was too old to be serviced. It seemed to be working just fine. So, why would it need immediate replacement?

I called around to numerous heating and cooling companies until I found one specializing in boilers! He was an old east coast guy (where boilers are much more common). He came out and looked at the system and said it was in great shape and with proper care would last another 100 years. Was it the most efficient system? No. Was it built like a tank? Yes. He was able to service the unit and give it a clean bill of health – on a 100-year-old boiler!

What is the importance of this story? Not all contractors are equal and some have an agenda. In this case the first person who looked at the system wasn’t very familiar with older boilers. As such he was pushing for an expensive new system – maybe to make a bit more money or maybe so he felt more comfortable working on it. The second person was older and had worked on these things forever. Finding the right person who really knows what they are doing can save a huge amount of money.

The problem is that the people who can work on some of these legacy systems are literally becoming extinct. Another client had a crazy lighting system from the early 2000s and if this one electrician familiar with the system retires, well the whole house might need to be rewired.

So, when looking at homes with legacy systems, don’t be afraid of them. They can still be absolutely amazing and provide years and years of service. But, before we give in on an inspection objection and say everything looks fine, let’s talk about who exists to actually repair it when the time comes.

If only the newest and hottest thing will do for you, make sure to check out my personal new build at 1935 Meade St! /end shameless plug.

Oh and some of you didn’t follow me on instagram yet so I’m not quite at a million followers yet. @jeffanswers