Article by Douglas Trattner

Most families do more than 400 loads of laundry a year, costing upwards of $600. Trim those costs with these energy-saving tricks.


Here’s a fun laundry room fact: The average American family washes 300 loads of laundry a year, spending as much as $1.08 per load, for a yearly total of $324.
Most laundry room expenses come from heating water for washing and heating air for drying. But these costs aren’t set in stone, and you can save money by following these energy-reducing tips.
Get the Most from Your WasherNinety-percent of the cost of running a washer goes to heating water. Here’s how to save money while getting your clothes clean.
1. Use cold water. You can save a bundle by washing your clothes in cold water, which is a perfectly efficient way to clean most clothes. Washing a load in cold water costs only about $0.04, compared to washing in hot/warm water for $0.68.  

2. Run full loads. It takes as much electricity to wash a small load as it does a full one, so you’ll save money by washing only full loads. 

3. Update your machine. If you don’t already have an Energy Star-certified washer, it’s time to get one. These energy-efficient machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than for a standard machine. 

4. Buy a front-loading machine. Energy Star-certified front load washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than top load agitator washers. Compared to a top load impeller washer, front load washers are still 25% more energy and water efficient. 

Related: How to Buy a Washer
Get the Most from Your Dryer5. Spin faster. The faster you spin clothes in the washer, the less time they’ll need in the dryer. If you have the option, chose a faster spin cycle.

6. Clean lint filters. Remove lint after every load, and clean ducts annually. Your clothes will dry faster, using less energy.

7. Warm it up. If possible, locate your dryer in a warm laundry room rather than in a cold basement. The warmer the air coming into the dryer, the less energy your machine will use to heat it up.

8. Go gas. Drying a load of laundry in a gas dryer generally costs less per load than an electric dryer. 

9. Keep it full. Dry only full loads and try not to mix fast- and slow-drying clothes — a practice that wastes energy by continuing to dry clothes that are no longer wet.

10. Let nature help out. When the weather is warm, cut your energy costs by drying clothes outside on a clothesline. If homeowners association regulations don’t allow you to set up a clothesline outside, use a standalone drying rack inside.

Article by HouseLogic

By: Jennifer Nelson

See what a bundle you can save if you declutter your home.

If you’ve ever had to pay a late fee after losing a bill, thrown away spoiled peaches you forgot to eat, or bought another pair of sunglasses because you couldn’t find yours, you know firsthand that being disorganized costs you money. And conversely, organizing your home saves you money.

At best, clutter in the home causes mistakes, late fees, overdue payments, and missed deadlines. At worst, a house in chaos can eat away at your finances, mar your credit, and reduce your productivity. That’s a whopping price to pay.

Financial and Mental Health Benefits of Organizing Your Home
“Do you think organizing is just for appearances?” asks Lisa Gessert, president of Organizing.buzz, a professional organizing service in Staten Island, N.Y. “Organizing your home is financially beneficial.” Gessert stresses to clients the need to sort, purge, assign things a home, and “containerize.” She says, “This process saves people tons of money.”

There’s also a mental health gain from organizing your home. More people want to create simpler, more organized spaces in their homes, According to a 2021 Ikea “Life at Home” survey. Many respondents associated clean, decluttered spaces with a greater sense of calm. Clutter-free equals being in control, which is important for our mental wellbeing, the survey says.

Here’s why being organized saves you money and how you can get your home into shape:

​Disorganization in the Home Office Costs You:

• Lost papers = time spent looking for them, money wasted on duplicates
• Misplaced bills = late fees, bad credit causes higher interest rates
• Missed tax deadlines = penalties

If any of these sound familiar, you need a home office system for dealing with important papers, bills, and personal correspondence. Wall-mounted bill organizers can help you stay organized. Look for ones with two or more compartments to categorize by due date. 

Mount shelving and create a file system for important papers, such as insurance policies and tax receipts. Work with underutilized space, such as converting a standard closet into built-in storage with shelves and cabinets for your papers, files, and office equipment. If you need to use stackable bins, don’t stack them around equipment that needs air ventilation, such as scanners and Wi-Fi receivers, since the equipment could overheat and malfunction — costing you money.

“Having your papers organized will save time, help you pay bills on time, and allow you to be more productive,” says Alison Kero, owner of Alison Kero Organizing, based in New York City.

Disorganization in Your Closets Costs You:

• Missing clothes = money spent on duplicates
• Hidden items = wasted time since you can’t see what you own
• Accessory mess = wasted money on items you don’t wear, can’t find

“Organizing often reduces duplication of possessions,” says Lauren Williams, owner of Casual Uncluttering LLC, in Woodinville, Wash. “No more buying an item for a second, third, or fourth time because someone can’t find it.”

If closets are crammed, paring down is a must. First, take everything out. Rid yourself of multiples and anything you no longer wear, and assess your shoe collection. Create piles: purge, throw out, or donate. 

For what’s left, you’ll need a better closet system. You can choose a ready-made system that simply needs installation, or create your own. You can use PVC pipe to create additional hanging rods, and you may also want to add shelving to store folded clothes, hats, and bulky items. Look for wire mesh shelving, solid wood shelves, or an all-in-one closet shelving system depending on space. Large and small hooks can be wall-mounted to hold belts, accessories, and scarves.

Disorganization in the Kitchen Costs You:

• Expired food = wasted money
• Overflowing pantry = can’t see what ingredients you have, resulting in duplication
• Crammed cabinets = overspending on multiple dishes and gadgets

Since the kitchen is usually the hub of your home, it attracts clutter. Organize your junk drawers by adding small plastic or wooden drawer organizers for things like thumbtacks, rubber bands, scissors, and tape. 

To avoid buying your third jar of oregano or second potato ricer, buy or build an organizational system for your pantry. Built-in lazy Susan's work great. Use pullout mini shelving to corral items like dressings, hot sauces, and vinegars. Tackle cabinets and counters by mounting behind-the-cabinet-door racks to hold items like pot lids or cutting boards. 

Add pull-out drawers in your bottom cupboards to make everything easily accessible and easy to see. You’ll thank yourself when you get older, too.

Disorganization in Your Living Areas Costs You:

• Lost keys, missing wallet = late for work, lost productivity
• Not being able to fully enjoy your home = spending money elsewhere for fun
• Blocked ventilation = utility costs rise

Your living space is where you want to enjoy your home the most. If you can’t do that there, you’ll constantly be seeking out other places to find solace and fun — and that can add up to a lot of money spent on entertainment and recreational venues. 

Meanwhile, you could be paying more than you should for the living space you’re not enjoying. 

“I run into people whose homes are unorganized to the point of papers, boxes and stuff blocking air vents that supply heat and air conditioning to their homes,” says Gessert. This costs a fortune in utility bills. Likewise, a jumble of electrical wires around TVs and home entertainment systems can be sucking energy from always being plugged in. Connect them all to smart power strips that can turn everything off with one switch. 

Once you’ve organized your home, you’ll start to see the benefits everywhere. No more dealing with late fees on bills, buying replacement earrings or bread knives when items go missing, and — perhaps best of all — no more having to leave home to relax and be entertained. After all, saving on bills can boost your monthly budget, but there’s no greater value than enjoying your home more.

​By: HouseLogic

A new shower valve can turn on the benefits you want. Find out the best way to get it done.

We’ve all been there: You turn the shower handle, expecting a cascade of water, and instead, you’re greeted with a lackluster dribble. It’s like your shower decided to take a leisurely stroll instead of giving you the wake-up call you desperately needed. That’s where your shower valve comes in.

Your shower valve is an essential component of your shower system and is often used daily, so it can quickly become compromised over time. Replacing your shower valve can go a long way toward regulating water flow and maintaining water pressure and consistent temperature.

Let’s look at a few considerations for shower valve replacement, including expenses, timelines, and preparation:

When to Replace Your Shower Valve
If your shower resembles a lazy river at a water park on a scorching day, it might be time to say goodbye.

In older homes, replacing fixtures like shower valves can significantly improve functionality and efficiency, allowing you to save water and reduce utility bills. Plus, it could mean you experience more consistent water flow when you shower.
​
It may be time to replace your shower valve if you’re experiencing:

• Leaking
• Loose valve
• Inconsistent water temperatures
• Low water pressure
• Valve caked in limescale
• Valve corrosion
• A dated look

Preparing to Replace Your Shower Valve
You’ll need to prepare appropriately to replace your shower valve successfully. This phase involves shutting off the water supply, removing the existing valve, and inspecting the surrounding area for signs of damage or corrosion. Additionally, you may need to adjust the existing plumbing to accommodate the new valve.

Selecting the Right Valve
Before you start your shower valve replacement, you’ll need to determine the type and size of valve you need.

Identify the type of valve currently installed in your shower. (Review the list of common valve types below.) This is important because each valve type may use different hardware or plumbing features and require different replacement processes.

Next, measure the valve. Start by removing the cover plate and finding the valve body. (A flashlight could help improve visibility, and taking a photo may prove useful for later reference.) Measure the center-to- center distance between the hot- and cold-water ports on the valve. Check for additional features, such as a diverter for a showerhead or tub spout, to help determine which replacement valve you need.

Types of Shower Valves
If it’s time to replace your shower valve, review this list of common types of shower valves to help identify the existing one and a possible replacement.

1. Single-Handle Shower Valve: Has a single lever or knob that controls the water temperature and flow rate. It tends to be simple and easy to use.
2. Dual-Handle Shower Valve: Has separate knobs or levers for controlling hot and cold water. This allows for precise temperature adjustments.
3. Thermostatic Shower Valve: Designed to maintain a consistent water temperature. After you’ve set the desired temperature, the valve automatically adjusts the mix of hot and cold water to keep it steady, even if someone else uses water in the house.
4. Pressure-Balancing Shower Valve: Designed to maintain consistent water pressure, avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations when someone else in the house uses water as a safety feature to prevent scalding.
5. Volume Control Shower Valve: Allows you to control the flow rate of water without changing the temperature. These valves are often used with thermostatic or pressure-balancing valves to fine-tune the shower experience.
6. Diverter Valve: Redirects water between different showerheads or outlets. For example, it can switch between a handheld showerhead and an overhead rain shower.
7. Manual Shower Valve: Requires manual temperature and flow adjustment, often found in older or budget-friendly installations.
8. Exposed Shower Valve: Installed on the surface of the wall, and the plumbing is visible. They are easier to install and access for maintenance.
9. Concealed Shower Valve: Installed within the wall, hiding the plumbing for a sleek and minimalist look. They require more effort to install but offer a cleaner aesthetic.​

Step by Step: How to Replace a Shower Valve
Now that you’ve measured and identified the type of valve you need, here are the steps to replace a shower valve. This outline of the replacement process can help you anticipate what to expect during the project. For specific details, consult a professional.

1. Turn off the water supply: As mentioned earlier, the first and most crucial step is to turn off the water supply to your entire house.
2. Remove the old valve: Here’s where the action begins. Remove the handle and any trim covering the valve. Next, disconnect the water supply pipes from the valve. Prepare for some water to drain from the pipes by having a bucket or towels handy.
3. Prepare the new valve: Before you install the new valve, make sure it’s compatible with your plumbing system and the handles and trim you want. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any necessary preparations.
4. Install the new valve: Attach the new valve so that it aligns with the water supply pipes.
5. Reconnect the water supply: Reconnect the water supply pipes to the new valve. After everything is in place, turn the water back on and test your shower. Proceed with caution and check for leaks or drips before marking the task complete.

Shower Valve Replacement Project Timeline
The timeline for a shower valve replacement can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the condition of the existing plumbing, and unforeseen complications during the process.

On average, you can complete a standard shower valve replacement in an hour and a half to three hours, according to HomeGuide. However, this doesn’t include drying and curing, which could take a few days. Plus, if you have a broken shower valve, the project might require a little more time upfront to assess the damage.

More-complex installations or situations requiring extensive plumbing system adjustments may extend the project timeline.

Materials and Labor Costs
Budgeting is crucial to any home improvement project, including shower valve replacement.

Materials
Although additional tools may be necessary, valve replacement often requires:

• Adjustable wrench
• Pipe cutter
• Soldering kit (if using copper pipes)
• PEX crimping tool (if using PEX pipes)
• Thread seal tape
• Pipe wrench
• Bucket and rags
• Plumbing flux and brush for soldering
• New shower valve compatible with your plumbing system
• Replacement pipes (if necessary)
• Fittings
• Solder or PEX connectors
• Repair sleeve or coupling for unexpected pipe damage
• Safety gear (like gloves and safety glasses)

The price range for these materials can vary widely depending on brand, material quality, and specific features. For a standard shower valve replacement, you could expect to pay $200 to $280 for the valve. High-end or specialized valves with advanced features may cost $500 or more. Pipes and fittings can cost $20 to $100, depending on the materials used (for example, copper, PVC, or PEX).

Labor
Labor can account for a significant portion of the project’s overall expense and vary depending on the job’s complexity, local labor rates, and the plumber’s experience level.

On average, homeowners can expect to pay $375 to $450 for labor to replace a shower valve, including time for planning, buying materials, preparation setup, and post-project cleanup. However, complex installations or situations requiring additional plumbing system adjustments may increase labor costs. A good practice is to obtain multiple quotes from reputable plumbers to support a fair and competitive price.

Preparation costs are also a factor. Check with your plumber about whether they bill for prep tasks like turning off the water, dismantling the old valve, and assessing the condition of the existing plumbing. You’ll also want to get estimates for potential drywall repair in case the replacement calls for some wall adjustments where the new fixtures are installed and in surrounding areas.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Shower Valve Replacement
For experienced DIYers with plumbing experience, it may be possible to swap out existing shower valves. However, there are exceptions. For example, an older shower valve could be more complex, so replacement may best be left to professionals.

Professional Shower Valve Replacement
Hiring a professional for this task could cost $100 to $300 for the valve replacement, not considering prep, cleanup, and more challenging replacements requiring drywall repairs. So, you’ll need to consider whether your project budget allows for the support of a certified plumber or if your skills will enable you to DIY.

DIY Shower Valve Replacement
You may be able to replace the entire shower valve yourself. Still, hiring a professional plumber is generally recommended; a broad range of tools and materials are required for the job. In addition, particularly with older plumbing systems, you’ll need to understand how those systems integrate with newer systems so that you create tight seals that don’t leak.
If you attempt the job yourself, make sure you have the proper supplies.

When Can You Use Your Shower Again?
A critical question is when you can expect to use your shower again, especially if it’s the only one in the house. In most cases, you can take a shower after the replacement is completed and the materials are dry. This includes the fitting and curing of materials, which may take varying amounts of time depending on the materials used — anywhere from a few hours toa few days.

Follow any specific instructions your plumber provides about the curing time of the materials used and when it’s safe to resume regular use of the shower.

Elevate Your Shower Experience with a Valve Replacement
Whether you choose the DIY route or hire a professional plumber, you’re investing in your home’s comfort and functionality. No more cringing at the sound of a dripping faucet or bracing yourself for an icy or scalding surprise in the shower. In the world of home ownership, this change may be for the better.

So, savor the feeling of that warm, steady stream of water and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.