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Leaking Power and Water

Posted June 19th, 2018 under pitfalls, renovations and repairs, money matters.

Water and electricity are two utilities that can cost you a lot of money if you let them leak all day long.

First, electricity. Many of today’s small appliances, typically anything with a remote control, has a “stand-by” mode that uses a small amount of electricity even when you think the appliance is off. (Often, the purpose of “stand-by” is to allow the device to turn on faster.) Do you know how much power your TV, PVR, desktop or laptop, and even ceiling fan are using?

There are two types of device you can use to check power use. One attaches at the plug and gives you an immediate reading of the watts being drawn. The other is used at your master panel to check the draw of the whole house.

You may be shocked to find your electronics and small appliances are costing you more than $100 per year even when they’re not on!

Meanwhile, have you checked recently to make sure none of your faucets drip, and none of your toilets run constantly? Even a slow drip will waste gallons of water over the course of days and weeks.

Want to know more about keeping down monthly costs in your home? Just ask me, I'll be happy to help.