How Much Does a Powerhouse Gym Membership Cost?
The Powerhouse Gym, which has been in the fitness industry for more than 35 years, has expanded to more than 39 states and 17 countries. Notoriously known for being a leader in the fitness industry, Powerhouse strives to offer excellent gym facilities, an optimistic atmosphere, and hundreds of amenities. To date, they cater to more than 1.5 million members.
All Powerhouse Gyms are locally owned and operated and are opened 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
How much does a Powerhouse Gym membership cost?
Like most gyms, the Powerhouse Gym will have an enrollment fee, along with a monthly fee. The longer you commit to a membership, the more you are going to be able to save in the long run. On average, plan on paying around $50 to $150 for the enrollment fee, depending on the time of year and current promotion. The monthly rates, depending on the length of the contract and location, will vary anywhere from $15 to $50+ per month from what we researched. Since each location is locally owned and operated, the rates are going to vary.
Refer to our table below to see what other members paid:
| Geographical Location | Price Paid |
|---|---|
| Aiea, HI | - $30/month |
| Corona, NY | - $20/month |
| Dearborn, MI | - $7/month |
| East Lansing, MI | - $25/month |
| Flushing, NY | - $365/year |
| Madison Heights, MI | - $30/month |
| Manifee, CA | - $10 to $20/month |
| Novi, MI | - $40/month |
| Oxnard, CA | - $20/month |
| Saline, MI | - $30 to $50/month, depending on how much you put down at beginning |
| San Jacinto, CA | - $199/year |
| St. Louis, MO | - $100/year |
| Tampa, FL | - $30/month |
| Troy, MI | - $29.99/month |
| Woodbridge, VA | - $20/month |
| Ypsilanti, MI | - $30 to $50/month, depending on how much you put down at beginning |
NOTE: These are prices members paid in the past and are subject to change. Use this as an estimate only.
According to this QuickenLoans.com blog post, they state that the gym has three membership pricing options: $99 for three months, $39 per month or $5 per visit.
A forum member on this BodyBuilding.com forum thread claimed that he was quoted $60 per month for a gym membership.
The Powerhouse Gym located in New York lists their prices on their official website. According to the pricing list, a one-month membership is $79 a month, whereas a 10-visit pass is $150.
Another Powerhouse Gym located in Maryland charges a $50 enrollment fee and $30 per month.
What are the extra costs?
Tanning packages are available at an additional cost, but not all Powerhouse Gym locations offer this option, however.
An annual enhancement fee, often around $25, will apply.
Some premium classes may have additional charges.
A personal training can be an additional cost.
How can I save money?
Be on the lookout for special promotions. For example, on their official page, they claim that they offer discounts for city employees, government employees, teachers, seniors and full-time students.
The longer you commit, as with any gym, the more you are going to be able to save per month. If you can afford to prepay, consider doing so to save more than 20%.
, from time to time, offers Powerhouse Gym deals for certain locations. When writing this, we did find some locations in Michigan offering two-month memberships for $10.
Many gyms, from what we noticed on their websites, do offer a one to 10-day pass, offering you the opportunity the try the gym before committing to a recurring membership fee.
How Much Does it Cost to Program a Key Fob?
In the past, a car key was a basic cut with no security features. You could simply go to a locksmith to get a new key, but with a key fob, however, the process is much different.
There are some key fobs that have a separate key that starts the car and can also unlock the doors. If this is the case, replacing or reprogramming a key fob would not be vital since you could still use the key to get in and out of the car.
There are other key fobs, however, that is part of the key itself.
If this part were lost or damaged, getting a new one is your only option.
Depending on the make and model of the car, a key fob is designed to unlock a door or trunk. This fob is generally attached to the keychain.
How much does it cost to program a key fob?
On average, programming a key fob is going to range anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on the make and model of the car. Most of the time, this can be done on your own, however, bringing down the costs. This is the price for the programming labor only and won’t include the price of the key and/or keyless entry device. If you needed the key and keyless entry device, for instance, then you could easily add another $100 to $250 to the estimate if purchased at a local dealership.
We researched online to see what car owners paid at their local dealership or on their own and included the quotes they received in the table below:
| Car Make/Model | Price Paid to Program the Fob Only |
|---|---|
| Chevy Impala | $35 |
| Dodge Journey | $60 |
| Dodge Ram | $50 |
| Ford Explorer | $75 |
| Ford Focus | $65 |
| Kia Forte | $45 |
| Kia Sorento | $98 |
| MINI Cooper | $55 |
| Nissan Altima | $40 |
| Toyota Corolla | $73 |
NOTE: These were the estimates for the programming labor ONLY and didn’t include the key.
According to Edmunds.com, they state that an electronic key fob can cost $50 to $90, depending on the complexity of the design.
Users on DodgeTalk.com stated that they paid $40 to $50 to have a dealer program their fob.
Programming a key fob overview
Using radio wave signals, the key fob will be able to communicate directly with your car. The car and the key fob will both have memory chips that enable the fob to work. When the fob button is pressed, it will send a code to the car telling it what it should do.
With most basic installation jobs, the car key will have to be inserted into the ignition and turned to the “on” position. When in position, a special action may be needed a few times in a row for it to go into program mode. When the car is in programming mode, a button on the fob will have to be pressed to make it work.
A key fob can either be purchased from the dealership or a third-party locksmith if they have the right equipment. The way that the key fob is programmed will depend on the make and model of the car, not the specific key fob.
What are the extra costs?
As mentioned, the key fob itself will be an additional charge, and the price will depend on how you purchase it. At a local dealer, the fob could cost upwards of $150+ for both the key and keyless entry device, whereas the third party seller on eBay could sell a knockoff brand for a lot less, often around $25 to $50.
Tips to know:
If you are going to buy online, always make sure that the model is going to work with your make and model of your car. When buying a fob, you will need your car’s make, model and the year it was manufactured.
To find out how to program your remote, refer to ProgramYourRemote.com to save money.
How can I save money?
Talk with the dealership where you bought the car from in the first place. Depending on the dealer, some may be able to program the key for free or for a discounted rate as long as you have the fob. Most dealerships should be able to offer a quote over the phone if you call ahead of time.
Oftentimes, there is a way around this fee. Most key fobs can be programmed with a certain combination of button presses. If you cannot find this inside of the owner’s manual, consider looking for a how-to guide on the internet.
Consider looking for aftermarket fobs from an online store or local locksmith. However, with most third-party products, be sure to research before making the purchase as some are made with cheaper materials.
Try to avoid going to the dealer and consider looking for key fobs on Amazon and eBay or if you don’t want to deal with the programming, consider hiring a local locksmith.
Always try to program a key fob on your own before heading to a dealership. It’s a lot easier than you think.
How Much Does the Detroit Athletic Club Membership Cost?
The Detroit Athletic Club (DAC), designed by Albert Kahn, is known to be one of America’s most expensive gyms. However, it is not the same type of “gym” or “athletic club” that you normally envision.
The club is located in the heart of Detroit’s sports and entertainment district, across from the historic Music Hall.
How much does a Detroit athletic club membership cost?
On average, the initial entrance fee for the Detroit Athletic Club is around $2,500, down from $5,000 before the economic downturn. Aside from the entrance fee, Detroit Athletic Club members will have to pay up t0 $150 to $400 per month, depending on the type of membership you apply for.
In order to get into the club, however, a member will have to be recommended. Once recommended, a member will need at least three recommendation letters from other members of the club. If all goes well, an interview will follow to see if he would be a good fit. If the board decides that the potential member is a good fit, they will allow the potential member to pay their dues and become active in the club.
SneakerReport.com claims that this club is one of the most expensive gyms in America, costing upwards of $400 per month. The same monthly membership was confirmed by Complex.com.
A member on this Reddit Detroit thread claimed the signup fee was $1,500 and the monthly dues were about $150. As mentioned, you would need at least three letters of recommendations in order to be considered.
In this 2014 Detroit News article, it had mentioned the prices were increasing to $337 a month with a $3,500 entrance fee.
Detroit athletic club membership overview
The club offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, classes, golf leagues, a professional sized swimming pool, basketball court, running track, weight room, gymnasium, squash/handball/racquetball courts and eight-lane bowling alley.
Aside from the traditional gym amenities, the club also offers a tranquility spa, on-site tailoring, shoe shining services, business center, a library, dining options, overnight hotel rooms, and personal training options.
What are the extra costs?
As with any gyms, taking advantage of a personal trainer and/or nutritional program can be an additional fee.
Leagues and tournament fees are often not included in the estimates provided above.
Some events, offered by the DAC, can charge additional fees to members and their guests.
Tips to know:
If you do not know anyone who attends the club, consider attending local events in the city where you know members may be attending. At these events, talk with some members to see if they would be able to help you with a recommendation. Members online have stated that it is actually fairly easy to get into the club.
To date, the club has more than 4,000 members.
The Detroit Athletic Club enforces a strict dress code. No denim clothing or any color or flip-flops are allowed on the club’s property, for example. Refer to the official dress code page for more details.
How can I save money?
Aside from the gym lowering their prices, they often do not offer special promotions or sales. Their rates are generally set and will not change.
On occasion, they may have sponsorship opportunities that you can take advantage of. If you donate to a particular charity, for example, they can cut the rates on your membership or entrance fee.
How Much Does a Fitness 19 Membership Cost?
Fitness 19, founded in 2003, was established to offer families and individuals a place to work out without having to break the bank. With hundreds of locations nationwide, the costs of each individual gym will vary since it is a franchise and each location is privately owned.
With hundreds of locations nationwide, the costs of each individual gym will vary since it is a franchise and each location is privately owned.
How much does a Fitness 19 monthly membership cost?
Like any gym membership, there will be an initial one-time enrollment fee which can range anywhere from $25 to $50 depending on the time of year and your geographical location. Again, since each club has its own pricing tiers, the rates are going to vary.
As for the monthly dues, the rates can range anywhere from $10 to $20 per month, according to our research online. By researching online, it looks like every club will make you pay for the first and last month. To get started with your first month at Fitness 19, plan on budgeting at least $50 to $100 to cover all of the necessary fees. After the initial payments, the monthly fees will be about $15 per month for a basic membership, which allows you to access only one club, whereas a premium club can cost close to $25 per month, which offers access to all clubs. These fees, again, will vary according to your local location.
All memberships are month to month and can be canceled with a 30-day notice.
On this SavingAdvice.com forum thread, one forum member stated that they paid $15 per month at their local Fitness 19.
On this Yelp review thread, discussing a Fitness 19 in Sunnyvale, California, members said they had paid anywhere from $7 to as much as $19 per month. Most said as long as you do not need the frills, the gym is worth it.
Fitness 19 monthly membership overview
Fitness 19 offers the typical cardio and weight equipment; however, unlike other gyms, they do not have pools, saunas or showers. Instead of a shower or larger locker room, there is a smaller locker room with two to three changing rooms. The amenities may vary from location, but most will include cardio equipment, circuit machines, free weights, lockers, a simple changing room, classes, child care and/or personal training.
What are the extra costs?
Fitness trainers are available for an additional fee.
Childcare, open to children three months to 11 years old, is available at some locations for $2+ per hour or close to $20 per month for unlimited childcare.
If you want to work out at any Fitness 19 location, you will have to upgrade to a premium plan.
An annual fee, regardless of your membership, may be charged — about $39 per person.
Tips to know:
If you want to try out a nearby location, consider their 7-day free guest pass to see if it’s a gym worth joining. You can request a free guest pass on their official website. To use, you must be a local resident and the pass can only be used once in a six month time period. Personal training and Kids Club will be available for an additional fee.
The Fitness 19 hours vary by location, but for the most part, many are open from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m.
How can I save money?
Keep your eyes peeled for special promotions and sales as this gym tends to run a $9.99 per month membership promotion quite often. As with most gyms, there’s a good chance they are running a promotion. Check out , look on Facebook or visit their official website to see if you can find any deals available at the time of joining.
The longer you commit to a gym membership, the more you are going to be able to save.
If there are other gyms in the area, consider researching their rates to see how they compare.
Student, senior citizen, or military discounts may be available.
How Much Does the acac Membership Cost?
Today, more than 65,000 members are part of an acac club.
Dedicated to providing a great fitness experience for members, the club currently offers locations in Charlottesville, Short Pump, Midlothian, West Chester, Eagleview, Timonium, Germantown and Hunt Valley in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.
How much does an acac membership cost?
The rates, as according to the official website, are as follows: $55 per month for an individual, $85 per month for couples and $99 per month for a family, but these prices could increase if you were to add add-ons such as the waterpark and/or golf course, for example. This won’t include the enrollment fee, which is usually around $49, but it can be lower if a promotion is currently being held.
On this Yelp thread, we had found one member was paying $74 a month for her individual membership, while another member on this same thread had paid $113 for a couples membership.
The types of memberships
The gym offers the following types of memberships: fitness, fitness + waterpark, full facility, independence golf or a p.r.e.p. membership.
The fitness membership offers access to all equipment, unlimited classes, the indoor pools and amenities at acac Midlothian and acac Short Pump.
The fitness + waterpark membership offers access to everything in the fitness membership, plus access to the WaterPark at the acac Midlothian location.
The full facility offers access to everything prior, plus tennis at the Midlothian location.
The independence golf + partnership adds golf onto the membership, where members can play at the Independence Golf Course.
Lastly, the p.r.e.p. membership is a physician referred exercise program that includes training sessions in smaller groups, club access, and nutritional education.
Members get access to the following areas, according to the official website:
A padded indoor track.
Treadmills with individual TV screens and speakers.
Hundreds of cardio machines such as treadmills, rowers, stair climbers and elliptical machines.
Modern strength equipment for muscle building.
Spacious free weight area.
Stretching space and machines in preparation for a workout as well as recovery after a workout.
An outdoor waterpark.
Special children’s wing with entertainment and fitness-focused activities.
Trackside Café with healthy food choices.
Senior programs that are specialized for those who are 60 and over.
Pilates and yoga class for those who want a less intense workout.
Warm therapy pool for recovery and therapy for conditions such as arthritis.
Large indoor pool for swimming with family.
Dedicated lap pool for exercise.
Group exercising classes so that you have accountability and support.
Personal training to get a personalized routine and set individual goals based on your goals, body type, weight, and lifestyle.
Nutrition and weight loss service for those who are looking to lose weight before getting in shape.
Gymnasium, basketball court, and indoor and outdoor racquetball courts.
Day Spa that offers tanning, massage therapy, skin care, manicures, and pedicures.
Members can also get access to acacPhysicians Referred Exercise Program (PREP) programs, which consist of exercises that are literally prescribed by doctors to their patients. The PREP programs offered are the General Physician Referred Exercise Program and Diabetes Management program.
The PREP workout programs are developed with the guidance of doctors, registered nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors and other medical professionals. This program consists of two training sessions a week as well as full access to the fitness center and all its amenities. A nutritionist, an exercise physiologist, and a registered nurse are also on staff to assist members.
The facility also offers classes in cycling, yoga, aquatics, Zumba and Les Mills.
Locker rooms and family changing rooms are provided. The locker rooms are highly customized to provide for different member needs and preferences. There are separate lockers for children, men, and women and each has a dry sauna.
The centers also provide casual daycare for kids ages eight weeks to 12 years old.
What are the extra costs?
Enrollment fees, as mentioned prior, can range from $0 to $150+, depending on the current promotion.
Private swim lessons or sessions with a personal trainer will be considered an additional cost.
The p.r.e.p. membership, as mentioned in the membership types, can cost $60 for 60 days.
How can I save money?
Special rates are available for current students and adults older than 65 years old.
As with any gym, the acac offers promotions from time to time. When researching, we did find out they offered a $50 for four-week promotion for access to all amenities during the New Year.
Check out daily deal websites, such as , as the gym has offered special deals in the past.
The club, at the time of this writing, does offer a 30-day, no commitment trial membership. This is a great way to see if the gym is worth the investment.
How Much Does the A1c Test Cost?
The A1c test is s test used to monitor blood sugar for those who have diabetes or who are at high risk for developing diabetes.
Measuring A1c, a Glycated hemoglobin, offers clinicians a general picture of the patient’s average blood sugar levels and also helps evaluate how well the patient is managing diabetes. The higher the A1c levels, the greater the odds of acquiring complications linked to diabetes.
In general terms, this test will check to see how much glucose is attaching to your red blood cells.
Unlike checking your blood and recording your blood sugar on a daily basis, the A1c test can reveal information about your blood sugar for the past two to three months.
How much does an A1c test cost?
On average, be prepared to spend from $35 to $60 for the A1c blood test without insurance. The costs will depend on where you have the test done and where you live. Most insurance tests will cover up to two test per year, so check with your insurance company before paying out of pocket for the test.
Walgreens , for example, offersA1c testing for $35 and makes it available only to individuals who have been self-identified as having diabetes.
At DirectLabs.com, the Hemoglobin A1c test costs $39.
MinuteClinic, a division of pharmacy health care provider CVS Caremark Corporation, provides the A1c test for $59.
According to TheDiabetesCouncil.com, most hospital tests will cost around $86 per test, depending on your co-pay or close to $40 for a self-check at-home kit.
A1c test overview
During the test, a review of the patient’s medical history is performed as well as a blood pressure test prior to the start of the A1c test, which can be done via different methods. Drawing the blood can be done via a finger stick (mostly for kits), a prick on the tip of the finger, or by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm and drawing a small amount of blood. The blood that is drawn will then be sent to a lab for analysis.
After the test results, which usually takes 48 to 72 hours, the health care provider will discuss the results with the patient and provides recommendations. Information about the visit summary is then sent to the patient’s primary healthcare provider.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “For someone who does not have diabetes, a normal A1C level can range from 4.5 to 6 percent. Someone who has had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time might have an A1C level above 8 percent. When the A1C test is used to diagnose diabetes, an A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates you have diabetes. A result between 5.7 and 6.4 percent is considered pre-diabetes, which indicates a high risk of developing diabetes. For most people who have previously diagnosed diabetes, an A1C level of 7 percent or less is a common treatment target. Higher targets may be chosen in some individuals. If your A1C level is above your target, your doctor may recommend a change in your diabetes treatment plan. Remember, the higher your A1C level, the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
What are the extra costs?
Typically, your doctor will want to order a test every 90 to 180 days to see how well your blood sugar levels are being managed.
If you have higher than average levels, then your doctor will recommend a diabetes management program, which can affect your monthly budget due to dieting changes.
Tips to know:
Because the A1c test is a simple blood test, you can eat and drink normally before the test. There is no special preparation needed.
How often a patient needs to take the A1c test depends on the diabetes type, the treatment plan, and blood sugar control. Many patients with type 2 diabetes are advised to undergo the test twice a year, while those with type 1 diabetes are recommended to take the test three to four times each year. Diabetic patients having trouble keeping their blood sugar level within a specified range are advised to have the test 4 times a year. Some health care providers advise patients to have an A1c check at least two times a year.
How can I save money?
Online labs are often much cheaper than a local doctor’s office and/or pharmacy clinic. While the results may be slower, compare the rates online before going to your local doctor’s office as you may find, even with insurance, it can still be cheaper to pay out of pocket online.
At home test kits are available, and while they shouldn’t replace the actual test at the local doctor’s office, it can still offer you an idea of where you stand in terms of readings. The highly popular at-home tests on Amazon.com, for example, retail for about $40 per two tests, but the prices can lower if you were to purchase more in bulk.
According to one member on this Tudiabetes.org forum thread, they claimed that CVS will often hold a promotion where they offer free testing for a free diabetes checkup, so it doesn’t hurt to look for a promotion before ordering a test.
Some doctor’s offices may have a sample take-home test you can use in the future. Ask your doctor if any were available that you could take advantage of.
How Much Does a Phone Call From Jail Cost?
A phone call from jail allows the inmates talk to their friends and family even while incarcerated, and if you know of someone who is in jail, you probably already know that they are not able to make phone calls for free.
The calls that are made from jail are collect calls, also known as reverse charge calls.
This means that the person who receives the phone call is charged for the minutes rather than the one making the phone call. This way, the jail does not have to pay a dime for the prisoners to make a phone call, but the ones receiving the call will be charged instead.
The cost of making a phone call from jail will depend on the jail and the length of the phone call.
How much does it cost to make a phone call from jail?
The FCC, as of 2016, issued a notice reminding phone companies that rate caps for a prepaid call is $0.21 per minute, while a $0.25 per minute fee would apply to in-state calls. In most jails, the rates range from $0.14 to $0.22 per minute.
Securus, one of the most popular phone systems jails and prisons work with, offers a rate calculator on their official website to offer you an idea of what you may pay to receive a phone call.
Phone calls from jail overview
There are two ways to receive a call from an inmate: either via by calling collect or with a third-party vendor that supplies pre-paid calling accounts.
Since every jail has different rules, some will limit the minutes and others may record the calls. Typical phone calls will be made from a community area that is under strict guard supervision. Most of these phone calls are monitored by the jail personnel.
Most prison systems in the United States will either work with Securus or Global Tel Link.
What are the extra costs?
Making payments by phone or via a live operator can incur additional fees, often $3 to $6. Like the caps mentioned prior, there are monetary caps for payment fees as well. Some providers even charge a fee if you want a paper bill instead of an electronic version.
Tips to know
Before you accept a collect call from someone in jail, try to figure out what the rates are going to be. This information can either be found on their website or by calling the prison directly for more information. If an inmate does call you collect, you will be responsible for the charges on your next cell phone bill.
See if there are prepaid phone card systems available that the jail works with. This will make it much more convenient so that your phone company does not have to adjust your bill every month. If prepaid phone cards are available, look into rates to see which route is best to take.
In jail, inmates are often only able to call five to 10 people on their list.
Be sure to know the prison rules when expecting a call. All prisons will have their own rules when it comes to an inmate making a phone call.
How can I save money?
If the jail allows it, consider buying them a calling card to cut back on their costs. Calling cards will always be a cheaper option when compared to calling collect.
PrisonPro.com recommends setting up a Google Voice number that has a local area code to the prison’s area. Since calling a local number is often cheaper than calling an area code out range, this is a way to bring the costs down. With a Google Voice number, you will set it up in a way to forward that number to your cell phone or landline.
How Much Does a Compression Test Cost?
A compression test is a diagnostic test that can tell you whether or not your car is running correctly.
According to Yahoo, “It will tell you if your engine has good compression. An engine is essentially a self-powered air pump, so it needs good compression to run efficiently, cleanly and to start easily. As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 pounds of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders.”
If your car has been running rough, having a hard time starting, or losing power, it may be time to take it in for a compression test.
This test is going to check the compression in the cylinders to determine if pressure is escaping the engine. This test is great to determine the overall health of the engine.
How much does an engine compression test cost?
On average, for the compression test itself, plan on spending anywhere from $120 to as much as $250. The test is going to depend on the mechanic performing the job, your geographical location, the make and model of the vehicle, the type of engine and if a leakdown test will be performed as well.
Forum members on this Iwsti.comm forum thread claimed that the average costs for their compression test was anywhere from $125 to as much as $180.
On this Nasioc.com forum thread, forum members claimed that they paid anywhere from $140 to as much as $250 for the test. The costs were dependent upon the length and mechanic.
Engine compression test overview
During a compression test, the spark plugs will be removed and the compression tester will be screwed into a cylinder. Once in place, the engine will start up and the mechanic will press the gas to crank over the engine. When the PSI cannot increase any more, another mechanic will be able to note the number. This will be repeated for the rest of the cylinders in the car. Depending on the car, the mechanic will be able to match up to readings to determine if there is an issue with the car’s engine.
When a compression test is performed, a leak down test is commonly performed alongside it. The leak down test will take air from the compressor and measure the rate at is leaking through the engine. Since the engine will not be running during the test, the leak down test will be able to find the source of leakage by listening for the escaped air.
The average compression test is going to take upwards of one hour to perform.
What are the extra costs?
If any problems are found during the test, additional repairs can apply. For example, if a spark plug is faulty or a piston ring has gone bad, a repair will be required right away.
If you are going to do the test yourself, you will need a compression test kit.
Tips to know
If your car is blowing blue smoke, leaking oil, or you feel the piston rings are going bad, it may be time to have this test performed. These common symptoms are often due to a lack of power within the engine.
A compression test can be performed manually or electronically. If you take your car to a mechanic, they will use an engine analyzer to perform the compression test electronically. However, most people do not have access to this tool, which means that they will have to perform the test manually. When working on the car yourself, always refer to your manual for specific instructions.
How can I save money?
Always compare prices with the mechanics in your area. As long as you know you are going to need a compression test, most are more than happy to offer you a quote over the phone.
If you know how to work with cars on your own, consider doing the test on your own. A compression kit on Amazon, for example, can retail for $30 to $40. However, this will just give you a number. If you have to perform a leak down test, additional materials will be required.
Keep your eyes peeled for special coupons or promotions at your local auto shop.
How Much Does a Wheelchair Rental Cost?
Renting a wheelchair may be necessary for a few reasons.
If you have a temporary disability, then there is a good chance that you may consider renting a wheelchair rather than purchasing one since you will only need it for a short amount of time. Another reason that you may need to rent a wheelchair is for traveling purposes. If it is hard to take your wheelchair when going on a vacation or business trip, it may be easier to simply rent a wheelchair when you get to your destination.
When you find yourself needing to rent a wheelchair, they can commonly be found at local amusement parks, zoos or medical supply stores.
How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair?
The cost of renting a wheelchair will depend on where you plan on renting it from, your geographical location, the type of wheelchair and the length of time for you need it for. On average, be prepared to spend around $10 to as much as $50 per day to rent a wheelchair at most amusement parks or anywhere from $75 to as much as $200 per month for a standard wheelchair at a local medical supply retailer.
With a handful of wheelchairs to choose from, we compiled the average from various medical supply companies and included our findings in the table below:
| Type of Chair | Description | Average Rental Price |
|---|---|---|
| HD | Similar to a standard wheelchair, an HD wheelchair will be designed to accommodate more weight, often up to 400 pounds. | - $5 to $35 per day |
| Powerchair | Unlike a manual wheelchair, a powerchair will be powered by battery, allowing it to fit into small spaces. | - $35 to $55 per day |
| Standard | A standard, manual wheelchair will be self-propelled, meaning they will require human power in order to move, either by moving the wheels or by someone pushing it from behind. These chairs are lightweight and can be folded down to fit into a trunk. Most can accommodate up to 350 pounds. | - $5 to $30 per day |
| Transport | A lightweight and strong wheelchair, making it easy to transport. These chairs are come equipped with a swing away footrest and padded armrest to provide additional comfort. It can also fold for convenient storage and transportation. Most are able to accommodate up to 250 pounds. | - $5 to $30 per day |
For example, BradfordMedicalSupply.com, a retailer located in San Jose, California, has a handful of wheelchairs available for rent that cost anywhere from $75 to as much as $195 for a monthly rental.
As for amusement parks, Disneyland, for instance, charges $12 per day for a manual wheelchair and $50 for an electric wheelchair.
Renting a wheelchair overview
There are two common types of rental options when renting a wheelchair: either short term and long term. A short-term rental is typically less than seven days, while a long-term rental can be up to six months.
Most companies will offer either a manual, standard, and/or electric wheelchairs.
What are the extra costs?
If you cannot pick up the wheelchair locally, additional shipping/delivery costs may apply. This will depend on how far you live from the medical supply company, but most of the time, it will be an additional $20 to $45.
A wheelchair that has been damaged due to negligence or recklessness can lead to additional repair charges.
While refundable, a deposit will be required before the company rents out a wheelchair. The deposit will be dependent upon the value of the wheelchair. As long as the wheelchair is returned in the same condition as when rented, this deposit will be returned to you or taken off the total price of the rental.
Additional accessories, such as a leg rest, can be an additional cost.
Damage insurance is an option with most companies and can cost about $5 per day to protect you from any liability.
Tips to know:
Ask about the monthly minimum. Some companies will require that you commit to a certain number of months before renting. If it is going to be a long-term rental, a contract may have to be signed.
Before committing to the rental, see how easy it is to transport the wheelchair. Is it easy to fold? Is it light? If you do not have the capabilities of transporting the wheelchair from one place to another, it will not be very helpful.
Know the weight limit. Some wheelchairs are only able to accommodate so much weight. For example, a powered wheelchair can slow down if there is too much weight. Most are able to hold upwards of 350 to 450 pounds.
Before you rent a wheelchair, closely examine it for damage. If you spot any damage, be sure to let the company know right away. That way, when you return it, you will not be blamed or charged for the damage.
If you can, try out the wheelchair ahead of time to make sure that it is comfortable and right for your situation. There are some wheelchairs that are made wider or deeper for a more comfortable fit.
If you’re unsure where to find a wheelchair at your upcoming destination, either call your hotel or if you’re working with a travel agent, ask them as they can often point you in the right direction. Many resorts, spas and even vacation home agencies can provide wheelchair drop offs and pickups.
How can I save money?
With any rental, the longer you rent it, the larger the per-day fee will be. Generally, a long-term rental will be a lot cheaper than a shorter term.
Make sure you ask around for people who have wheelchairs that you can borrow. You will more than likely be able to find someone that is will and able to let you use theirs for a while.
If you cannot afford a wheelchair, check with local organizations who work with those that meet certain income requirements. For example, the Chariots of Hope can help you find a wheelchair for next to nothing.
Depending on the need for the wheelchair, your insurance company may cover the cost of the rental. Even if it is a long shot, it never hurts to ask.
If you are going to be using the wheelchair for more than two months, consider buying one. Even when you are done, you can always sell it back to recoup most of your money back.
How Much Does a Fur Coat Cleaning Cost?
A professional fur coat cleaning will be a necessary service if you own a fur coat as it can’t be treated like most articles of clothing.
How much does it cost to clean a fur coat?
Cleaning an authentic fur coat ranges anywhere from $65 to $125. Experts in this area suggest that you should take it to a furrier to maintain its quality and not to a dry cleaner as self-cleaning it or hiring the wrong professional could potentially destroy its authentic condition. Depending on the service, some will only clean your coat if you plan on storing it with them during the offseason.
For instance, StoreMyFurCoat.com, a furrier located in Detroit, Michigan, charges $150 to pick up your coat, store it, clean, condition and glaze it.
ML Furs, another professional fur cleaning company located in Colorado, lists their prices on their official website. Glazing a fur coat and mid-length coat starts at $55.95, while cleaning and glazing a coat starts at $60.
Cleaning a fur coat overview
A professional fur coat cleaner will use a process known as “glazing.” This is the process of bringing out the coat’s natural luster after it has been cleaned. It will involve steaming and ironing, but the exact procedure will vary depending upon the type of fur. This cleaning process will always be done by hand, using a special powder that helps remove any excess oils, dirt, or stains. A cleaning should be done at least once a year to properly retain its essential oils.
A professional will also inspect your coat for stains, rips and tears. The linings are hand-cleaned with specific attention to spots and stains.
The fur is then placed in a large drum filled with sawdust and an environmentally safe cleaning solution. The coat is tumbled in this drum which draws the dirt and oils from the fur. The coat is then vacuumed to remove the sawdust and finally, hand steamed to remove any final residue.
The next process involves “electrifying” the coat. Using large rollers, electricity used to make each hair lift, separate and lie in the same direction. It is similar to static electricity that makes each of our hairs stand separately on our heads.
What are the extra costs?
Any major repairs or alterations can be an additional charge. However, some companies are happy to perform small repairs for free. With most serious repairs, a company will be able to offer a free estimate.
If you do not want to store the coat in your home, some companies are able to store it at their facilities for a small fee, usually around $50 to $100 per year.
A cleaner that has to come to your location to pick up to coat can tack on a travel fee.
Tips to know:
Refrain from using metal or wire hangers as they will deform the coat. Use a wide padded hangar for best results.
Cleaning your fur coat regularly is going to help make your fur last longer and make it soft and supple. A professional cleaning is recommended once a year, even if you do not wear the coat very often. In fact, the less often you wear your coat, the more dust it can collect and the more oils it will lose. This also means that the furs natural odor may start to be noticeable.
Never dab at your fur coat, especially when wet. This can mat the fur, altering its appearance. If the coat gets wet, simply shake it out let it dry, then shake it again to fluff it once it is dry. Do not use a hair dryer or any type of direct heat to dry the fur coat.
Always store your fur coat in a spacious closet that has great ventilation. Never store your coat in a plastic bag. Cold storage is ideal to prevent the furs from becoming dry.
To keep your fur coat in the best condition possible, you should avoid spraying hairspray or perfume while wearing the coat. The alcohol in these items can dry out the coat.
How can I save money?
While it is not recommended, a fur coat can be cleaned on your own; however, proceed at your own risk. This DoItYourself.com guide, for example, shows you how it can be done at home.
Try to keep your eyes peeled for promotions and special offers. Many cleaners will provide deals to those who are first-time customers or for consistent customers.
