expensive month

[dave77]

$700 to take down an old Elm tree, irrigation pump went out Tuesday, $400. AC went out this morning, Saturday so $150 @ hour, probably going to be $400.

Darn, that's enough for a really nice new Henry or a 1911.

[Mags]

$700 to take down an old Elm tree, ...

I could wish. Used to have guy help me with my Doug firs. Was really reasonable, about $360 a day. He sold out to another arborist. All of sudden work I needed help with was 10x.

For what you're looking at spending you could'a bought a Henry and a scope for that $1500.

[220]

Don't know about over there but here in Aus the price of a arborist tends to reflect the level of insurance they have should things go wrong.
Don't know anyone currently working but 25 years ago a friend was paying 35k in premiums a year.

[PT7]

Dave77,
You just verified the truth of the old saying, "When it rains, it pours." I bet everyone here has had those special & "fun" months at one time or another!

[JEBar]

yep, we know those "if it ain't broke, we just fixed it spells" all too well .... hopefully, the string will quickly come to an end (at least for a while)

[GFK]

Yes. Sometime, things happen that can affect buying more toys. I am just glad that buying toys is all that is effected, and I am able to address what requires attention.

But, I do understand. I had two heating/cooling units (heat pumps) that take required freon (R-22). A $500 electric bill got my attention there might be an issue. Both units were about 2 pounds low ending with a $900 bill. I was told a loose fill coupling (on both units) may have been the reason for the leak. I typically have an annually service performed.

The company I previously used changed hands. They seem to be more concern with emergency service vise routine service which may have led to my situation. At their last routine services, I was advised I should consider replacing the units. Since, they are 20 years old. Of course, they would replace the units for about $6000 each. Maybe. I just replace the motor on one ($150). I will probably see how much more use I can get out of them. My next annual service (difference company) should indicate if there is a leak in the system.

[dave77]

My A/C unit is a smaller non-heat pump model. I've known the repair company owner for years and trust him, he said that since it was so old that if the compressor was bad, if they could still get a replacement it would probably be around $1500 installed, brand new unit, $3500-$4000 installed. Luckily it was just the fan motor for now.

Wow, $500 electric bill. I guess I'm spoiled by living here with the lowest electric rates in the country (hydropower PUD). My summer bill with AC set at 73, 24/7 is only around $50 @ month, Winter (with electric heat) might run $150 in a normal temp winter.

[Mags]

Don't know about over there but here in Aus the price of a arborist tends to reflect the level of insurance they have should things go wrong.
Don't know anyone currently working but 25 years ago a friend was paying 35k in premiums a year.

Absolutely. My original guy was a two man, handshake type of operation. The buyout people are all fancy business office and new trucks folks, multiple arborists.

[GFK]

Wow, $500 electric bill. I guess I'm spoiled by living here with the lowest electric rates in the country (hydropower PUD). My summer bill with AC set at 73, 24/7 is only around $50 @ month, Winter (with electric heat) might run $150 in a normal temp winter.

Must be nice. I have not seen rates like that for years. When I was in San Diego (in the 90's), my bill was like that. But, it was a one bedroom apartment with just a fan for cooling and space heater. Now, I am doing good to get a $150 bill in the Summer and $350 for the Winter. But, I am blessed to be able to pay it. So, it is all good.