So... We've gotta replace our HVAC unit and that's not cheap. Apparently there are holes rusted into it and it's not safe. The repair guy said that it could be blowing carbon monoxide into the house. That might explain some of our headaches and tiredness... or not. My parakeet is ok and I'm guessing he would be more sensitive to that than we would. I have been far more seriously exposed to carbon monoxide before so if it has been an issue it's been thankfully relatively mild.
We had a problem with the unit cooling over the summer and a different repair guy asked us if we had enemies (yes, dead serious - it was so hard not to laugh at him) because he claims it was sabotaged. That was really goofy and we're not using him anymore. He didn't repair the HVAC at my old house and then he came at us with that theory at our house (which he also couldn't fix) and that was the last time I called him. 😂😂😂
In any case our new repair man makes valid, logical points and has shown us the damage. Since our unit has been here since 1997 it's decently old and definitely rusted through and if he says it's dangerous then I believe him. (A little Googling also confirmed what he said.) It's had trouble heating and cooling. I don't think we have many choices at this point despite money being tight because I'm not working yet. 😕
Anyway, our new unit will be installed as soon as the weather permits. That could have been today, but the rain hasn't let up. I'm pretty bummed because the low tomorrow is 23°F. Maybe it won't take long to get it put in and working. I've been ok without heat so far, but this wet + lower temperatures is not good, especially for my bones. I guess I'm just grateful we can handle it. I know that many people aren't so lucky. 🙁