ZAMA Real Estate

I AM SOOOOOOOOO GUILTY

The last time you boiled eggs, potatoes, or pasta, what did you do with the water afterward? If you are like most of us, you probably strained whatever you were cooking and let the water go down the drain. It's something you do without even thinking twice about it. What you may not realize, however, is the potential damage that you're doing to your sink every time you dump boiling water down there. From damaged pipes to clogs, you're setting yourself up for a host of problems.

If you have a clog that prevents water flow, the hot water will simply sit there, causing the pipe to absorb more heat. This situation is compounded in the winter, when the pipes are colder and therefore more susceptible to temperature shock. The sudden introduction of extremely high temperature water can cause the pipes to expand rapidly and split open, or warp them enough to cause a leak.

I bet you are wasting money somewhere, just throwing good money out of the window and never even thought of it. I am guilty of five of them, how about you?

1. RUNNING A/C 24/7. If you change your thermostat when you are sleeping 7-10 degrees you can save 10% on your electricity annually.

2. MULTIPLE STREAMING SERVICES. Come on admit it, you have a million channels and still cannot find anything to watch on t.v. It won't hurt to get rid of a couple of streaming services. Stick that money somewhere and at the end of the year, buy yourself something special.

3. LEAKING FAUCETS AND RUNNING TOILETS. In addition to raising your water bill this can also raise your sewer bill and if it is hot water, it runs your electric bill up too.

4. NOT CHANGING FILTERS. Your A/C has to work harder when the filter is dirty and full of pet hair, causing your electric bill to soar.
Dishwasher dirty filters, dirty refrigerator filters and coils, washing machine filters, air purifier filters, dryer lint traps, exhaust duct and exterior vent, range hood filter, dehumidifier filter all wreck havoc on your electric bill if they are dirty.

5. NOT FULL. Running dishwashers, washing machine and dryer when they are half full.

6. HOT WATER HEATER 140 degrees. Most hot water heaters come set at 140 but 120 degrees is actually high enough for most families. The Department of Energy says turning hot water heater down to 120 degrees over the course of a year can save you $400.00. I do not know about you but I cannot turn my nose up at $400.00.

7. SECOND REFRIGERATOR. If that second refrigerator in the garage or basement does not contain that much, could you get away with a mini fridge?

8. HABITS. Leaving lights on when not needed, curtains wide open on a hot sunny day, bathroom exhaust fan running for hours, not using ceiling fans can all add to your electric bill.

9. PHANTOM POWER. Some appliances and electronics use power even when off. Your microwave, stove, gaming consoles, cable boxes, air fryers, coffee makers, television sets. Don't believe me? Answer me this, how do you think the clock and other lights are being powered? Some things you can put on a SMART POWER strip and easily turn off and on. Now I know I am not going to be unplugging my stove or microwave everyday but I can make sure the air fryer is unplugged. Be sensible.

10. GAPS/CRACKS. If you look at your door or window in a semi-dark room and see light. You are paying to heat and cool the outside. Change old wore out weather stripping and use caulk to seal holes. Curtains can help also. You wanna go big with this, insulate your attic and crawl space.

11. PEAK TIMES. Use electric appliances at non peak times. Most electric companies charge more per kilowatt during peak hours
(late afternoon into the early evening). Opt for early morning and late evening because the cost per kilowatt is lower.

A lot of things right now are very expensive, gas, food, taxes, etc. Those things are out of our control, but the above mentioned things are within your control. Save where you can and pray prices of the uncontrollable things change soon.