From: Chris Hill 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: how warranty: will it replace heat, a/c ? when worn out due to ordinary wear tear? - need answer asap
Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2003 13:10:44 GMT

On 15 Sep 2003 04:50:59 -0700, dejausenet@yahoo.com (tom williams)
wrote:

>About to buy a house that is 23 years old; with original central heat,
>a/c, maybe even water heater
>
>Home inspector noted that they are 'original' equipment, not replaced
>since 1980
>
>Owner has transferrable HOW warranty, which apparently says they cover
>items that break, fail due to ordinary wear and tear
>
>Seller willing to pay for transfer costs of warranty. Cost of warranty
>annually is like $ 425. Cost of replacement of these items expcected
>to be approx $ 3000
>
>How likely that HOW warranty can wiggle out and not pay claim when
>inevitably repairs, replacements have to be made?

I doubt if they'll ever replace anything, unless there is absolutely
no choice.  A hvac system can be nursed along for years after it
should have been thrown out.  Just give them three to five grand less
for the 20-year-old house than you would for a new one and get ready
to do the job right.