FAQs
Is “budget billing” from my utility company a good idea?
Budget billing, also called level-pay, can be a very useful tool for managing cash flow on a fixed income. The utility company averages your energy usage over the past year and charges you a predictable flat amount each month. This smooths out seasonal spikes, so you don’t get a huge bill in August for air conditioning or in January for heat. The downside is that you are not seeing the immediate impact of your conservation efforts in your monthly bill. It’s also important to remember you are not actually saving money; you are just spreading the payments out. The company will periodically review your account and adjust the monthly amount up or down if your actual usage changes significantly.
Which simple home repairs might require a permit?
The DIY repairs discussed in this article—like changing a flapper, clearing a P-trap, or weatherstripping a door—do not require a permit. As a general rule, permits are required for work that affects a building’s structural integrity, electrical systems, or plumbing systems. This includes things like moving or adding walls, changing your home’s wiring, running new plumbing lines, or replacing a water heater. If you are ever in doubt, a quick call to your local city or county building department is the best way to get a clear and official answer. Performing work without a required permit can lead to fines and problems when you eventually sell your home.
How can I confidently verify a senior discount?
The most reliable way is to ask directly and politely. For restaurants or retail stores, ask your server or the cashier before you order or check out. For larger purchases like a cell phone plan or an airline ticket, call the company’s customer service line or visit a local store and speak with a representative. Many online businesses have a chat feature that is perfect for this. When you find a list of senior discounts online, treat it as a guide, not a guarantee. Policies change frequently and can vary by location. A quick, direct inquiry is the only way to be 100% sure.
What temperature should my water heater be set to?
For most households, the recommended temperature for a water heater is 120°F. Many manufacturers set them to 140°F by default, but this higher temperature increases the risk of scalding and wastes energy by keeping water hotter than you need. Lowering the setting to 120°F can reduce your water heating costs by 4-10% annually. It’s hot enough for all household needs, including dishwashing, and is significantly safer, especially if you have young grandchildren visiting.
Do those home energy monitors really help you save money?
Yes, they can be very effective, but they don’t save money on their own. An energy monitor is a device that shows you in real-time how much electricity your home is using. Its value is in changing your behavior. When you can see a direct, immediate spike in energy use when your old refrigerator kicks on or you turn on an incandescent light, it provides powerful motivation to upgrade appliances or change habits. The monitor itself doesn’t reduce your bill, but the information it provides can empower you to make smarter energy choices every day.
Disclosure: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, medical, or professional building-code advice. All budgeting and financial figures are illustrative. Utility rates, rebate programs, and business discounts vary widely by region, provider, and time; always verify details with official sources. When performing any home repair, use appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection. For any work that requires a permit, is beyond your comfort level, or involves electrical or complex plumbing systems, please hire a licensed and insured professional.
