If you want to monitor the exact cost, you can sub-meter the circuit.One poster mentioned used equipment...Unless you are personally able to fully diagnose and make repairs, or if the building is really low end, NEVER buy a used appliance (two or three service calls and you've spent the cost of new, which will last at least seven years).

But don't diagnose this yourself.Do not depend on a forum to settle your potential liability questions.

From building a 2 story garage addon to our house (which i have done with only 1 other person.. from the framing to the roofing to the siding to interior), electrical, to computer programming, mechanics (building a 550hp street/strip car right now from the ground up knowing the in-and-outs of every aspect. give me a broken car and i will diagnose and fix it on my own), to multiple investing avenues.

My girlfriend however, has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and her doctor sugested that it would be extremly beneficial if we could get a pet (like a cat or small dog) because of all the benefits it provides to people who suffer from depression and anxiety.

We just spent weeks trying to diagnose why a new hot water Pressure Relief Value leaked over time.

However, as kenvest said, you would need to be able to accurately diagnose potential problems that you see, so therefore getting a professional inspection would be ideal.

It's the more complicated stuff that is important (structural issues, specifically), and very few home inspectors are qualified to diagnose and make recommendations on structural issues.2.

The tech finally made it over a day and a half later, diagnosed the problem and fixed it.

My handyman diagnoses the situation and I say go for it.

Also check the attic/basement/crawl for junction boxes or faulty wiring.Plumbing is a little harder to diagnose without the water on, but it's also pretty obvious where there have been leaks in the past.