Quote:
Originally Posted by curves2000
Not really in my opinion? I always repair, rather than replace if it makes more sense. I do like the "old is gold" mindset for a lot of things. A lot of items that are "high efficiency" are the items that require significantly more costs for service/parts. A lot of these items have incredibly short lifespan's, which in my opinion, reduces a lot of their "good" environmental impact.
Some things just reach end of life like in the building projects I mentioned. New boiler system? I didn't go for an ultra high efficient model, went with an 89% efficient model. The 94% model I was told would cost substantially more, in the 300% more, would probably last 15 years (vs 30+) and requires a lot more maintenance, has more electronic points of failure etc. I went with the cheaper option since the 5% efficiency isn't saving the planet and my overall cost of nat gas, not service fee's, are low. Why pay way more and have it cost me more and my tenants more?
Windows were upgraded to higher end Lux Windows. Energy efficient certified and all that. Of course despite a $30k investment, those models don't qualify, only the more expensive ones for a small amount of grant money.
Hot water tank is an energy efficient tank but not the ultra high efficient tankless hot water system. The increase in upfront costs, added operating expenses for maint/repair just doesn't make it worth it in my opinion.
A lot of "green" changes in day to day items we buy just don't make overall financial sense when running the numbers. I think we might be seeing some of this in the EV market. High costs for service, repair, collision repair, lack of parts and other issues. Sometimes a reliable and efficient Honda or Toyota that works like a charm is the way to go, why spend a lot more on a Tesla and have a mountain of headaches?
I think it's a conundrum a lot of people face
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OK, so you upgraded all these things to higher efficiency versions/more environmentally friendly versions than you had, but not the absolute best, but aren’t replacing items that still work “just because” and even though you’re passing the costs down your tenants still aren’t paying market value…
… and that means the carbon tax doesn’t work?