Repair or replace those aging appliances?

With all the home renovations we’ve done in the last couple of years, it’s been a big issue around here - repair, replace or what? Getting more energy effecient is a big consideration with utility prices going nowhere but up.

This video will give you some great things to think about in making the decision to replace. I can also tell you that in these times, a lot of those big box home stores are actually willing to deal on price for new appliances.

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Take the gallon challenge: indoor use

We used to play pretty fast and loose with water when we were on a flat rate with the water company, but know that we’re being charged by the gallon, we are far more aware of wasting water. Friends of mine, over in Germany, actually have a water meter right in the kitchen or bathroom. Let me tell you, they are really freaky about it. Run the dishwasher only when full - 2 gallons
Not leave water running while rinsing dishes - 5 gallons
Turn off water while brushing teeth (twice daily) - 8 gallons
Shorten showers by 2 minutes (once daily) - 5 gallons
Fill the bathtub half full while bathing - 18 gallons
Not use the toilet as a wastebasket (once daily) - 1.6 gallons
Wash only full loads of clothes - 15 gallons
Fix a leaky faucet - 15 gallons
Fix a leaky toilet - 30 gallons
Install aerators with flow restrictors on kitchen/bathroom faucets (3) - 14 gallons
Purchase a new, more efficient clothes washer - 10 gallons
Replace old, non-efficient toilet with new low-flush toilet (4 flushes daily) - 8 gallons