ᐅ House for sale, currently with a broken heat pump

Created on: 11 Jan 2025 11:31
T
Tobibi
Hello everyone,

I have a really frustrating situation here, and maybe someone can share how they would proceed.
My wife and I bought a house in 2019. It was built in 1983, has 200 sqm (2,150 sq ft) of living space, and isn’t particularly well insulated. The previous owners had replaced the oil heating system with a heat pump a few years before. It’s a Dimplex LA17TU, and in the basement there is a Hydrotower HWK 332 Econ with a heat pump controller.

Now, we separated in mid-2024. Everyone has moved out, the house is empty, and it’s listed for sale.
On New Year’s Day, my ex was at the house and noticed a huge puddle in the basement. The local heating service company’s emergency team checked it out and found that a refrigerant line on the outdoor unit had burst, the evaporator inside has a hole, and the heat exchanger is defective. That’s what they told us verbally. They want to send us a quote for either repair or replacement. I probably don’t need to stress that I don’t want to invest a lot more money into the house.

This week I received a cost estimate for a full replacement, which would replace everything. A Nibe S2125 outdoor heat pump, a NIBE domestic hot water unit VVM 500, heat meter, circulation pump, and so on. The total cost would be €33,000 (€) (about $36,000), plus some additional on-site work like electrical installation. There is a subsidy of €10,500 (€) (about $11,500) available.
He also said he would send a quote for a repair in the next few days, as he is still waiting for prices himself.

Honestly, I don’t see myself spending that much money again, and I can’t imagine that it really makes sense or is necessary to replace everything.

Are there any opinions here? I spoke with the real estate agent selling the house about 10 minutes ago. He said it might be worth contacting the manufacturer’s factory service as well.

Best regards
M
MachsSelbst
12 Jan 2025 10:27
Goodwill for a device more than 7 years old?
W
wiltshire
12 Jan 2025 10:46
MachsSelbst schrieb:

Goodwill for a device that is more than 7 years old?

Of course. If you don’t try, your chance is 0%. You have everything to gain. What is there to lose besides some time?

The way you communicate can influence the likelihood of success:
1. Plan your conversation goals and steps. (Tip below)
2. Identify the right contact person (I prefer managing directors or board members)
3. It’s better to speak directly rather than write (you can always write later)
4. Find an appropriate tone and communicate on equal terms

Of course, there is no guarantee this will work. Many tell me I’m just lucky in these matters. It may seem that way, but the simple truth is different: good communication wins or loses people. A person you win over will gladly help if they can and is willing to use their discretion to do so.