Category: Homeowner

One of the most frustrating aspects of being a real estate agent in the current market is trying to find homes for our first-time homebuyers. Often, they’re snatched up or in multiple offer situations immediately after being listed.

The condo market is just as popular with these homebuyers, by the way. In fact, I’m working with a lovely couple right now who need a very low-priced condo for sale.

Searches of the MLS don’t yield much but this morning I did find several. I looked first at how long they’ve been on the market and all of them have been sitting longer than normal for this fiery sellers’ market.

In fact, the lowest priced condo has been on the market for almost a year. Now why, I thought to myself, is that?

I sleuthed

So, I then looked at the photos to see if there was anything there that might explain why an inexpensive condo isn’t flying off the market. Aside from a very dated kitchen with a missing refrigerator I didn’t see any obvious flaws.

Then, it grabbed me – $270 a month HOA fees. Now, that may not seem like a lot to some, but for someone who needs a starter home and an $80,000 price tag fits the budget, it could be a deal breaker.

FHA certification is important

But there’s another reason it may not be selling. The majority of first-time homebuyers use loans backed by FHA and it has stringent qualifications when it comes to condos. Most significantly for the homebuyer, the condo community, not just the unit, must be FHA-approved to get FHA’s backing for a loan and many across the country aren’t.

It just so happens that this particular community is not FHA approved so between the high monthly HOA fees and the fact that it’s not approved for an FHA loan, the poor homeowner is having a rough time selling.

Pay attention to your HOA

If you own a condo, it’s important to be active in your Homeowners Association. Even if all you do is attend the meetings, it pays to know what is going on.

For instance, if the ratio of rentals to owner-occupied units happens to increase to more than half of all units, your community will lose its FHA approval. Even with some conventional loans there’s a cap on rentals (30 percent with Fannie and Freddie).

If 15 percent or more of the community’s homeowners are behind in their association dues, if someone decides to sue the association and it enters litigation or if the association’s cash reserves fall below one year’s worth of the fees collected, the community may lose FHA certification.

The biggest problem is the first one I mentioned – too many tenants. The wise buyer will refuse to buy a condo where the HOA doesn’t impose a cap on rentals. Then, he or she will be vigilant in monitoring the enforcement of that cap.

Hey, it’s important to pay attention to the future resale value of your property and the longer a home remains on the market the less you’ll make on it. If you can’t sell it at all, it’s worthless, right?

If you want to check if a particular condo community is FHA certified, check HUD’s website.

Some of the problems in homes that can cause the most damage may be challenging to detect. Your pipes, for instance, are hidden behind walls. When they spring a leak, you may not know about it until mold forms, you notice water damage or your water bill skyrockets.

By then, the damage will be pricey to remedy.

Thankfully, some of the most common pipe problems give clues; you just need to know what to smell, look or listen for.

Use your sense of taste

If your water tastes odd or stinks, don’t drink it.

“Foul-smelling or bad-tasting water are signs of impurities,” according to the experts at the Water Quality Association (WQA).

If the water tastes salty, there may be hydrogen sulfide in the pipes. Caused by bacteria, you’ll need to find the source and eliminate it. Your plumber can help you here.

Does the water taste metallic? “It may be a sign of mercury, lead, copper, arsenic, or iron in the water,” cautions the folks at WQA. It may be originating from the pipes themselves.

What’s that smell?

One of the more common odors when there’s a problem with pipes is that of a rotten egg, which the WQA says is also indicative of hydrogen sulfide in the water.

Catch a whiff of turpentine? There are a number of reasons for this, none of them pleasant, so call your plumber for an inspection and drink bottled water in the meantime.

Listen

If you hear banging when you turn on the water in the home, it may be a sign of a major problem, according to the experts at American Home Shield (AHS).

There is actually a name for that sound, “water hammer,” and it can damage connections and joints in the pipe. The folks at AHS tips to help you solve the problem:

• Start by turning off the water at the main supply (this is usually located at the street).
• Open all the faucets in the home and allow them to drain completely before closing.
• Turn the water main back on and open the faucets again.

“The incoming water will flush the air out of the pipes but not out of the vertical air chamber, where the air supply has been restored.”

Finally, if you notice rust, stains or flaking on any visible pipes, they may be corroding and, if not replaced, will most likely spring a leak.

A good plumber will use your observations when making a diagnosis. Ensure you check references and that the plumber is licensed and insured.

There are two things that qualify to be the bane of summer: flies and mosquitos. Entertaining outdoors seems to triple the pests and their ability to irritate and annoy guests.

Luckily, we found some simple tricks to keep mosquitos at a distance while you enjoy friends and family in your outdoor living space.

Use a fan

Fortunate is the homeowner who has an overhead fan on the patio. “The breeze outdoor fans provide makes it more difficult for these annoying critters [mosquitos and flies] to fly, so they tend to stay away from wherever the fan air flows,” according to the pros at lasco.com.

An oscillating fan or two is the ideal solution because they spread the breeze out more than a stationary fan.

The folks at Lasco also recommend that you consider a fan with a misting apparatus “… for an extra cooling effect.”

If you’ll be buying a floor fan for your next get-together, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for one with remote control.
• Large controls that make it easier to see in low-light conditions come in handy in the evening.
• Ask to plug in and operate the model you’re interested in to make sure it’s quiet enough at high speed to hold a conversation.
• Ensure that the fan is intended for outdoor use, with grounded plugs and cords and moisture-proof casings.

Get rid of sources of standing water

One of the most common sources of mosquitos is anything that collects rain or irrigation water. This includes:

• Kiddie Pools (keep the water fresh)
• Planting pots and saucers
• Watering Cans
• Buckets
• Open trash cans
• Puddles in your lawn
• Rain Barrels
• Tarps
• Kid’s Toys
• Birdbaths (keep the water fresh)
• Wheelbarrows

Seek out even the smallest sources of standing water. All it takes is 1/4 inch of water for a mosquito to “… lay hundreds of eggs at a time—so even very small sources can become a big problem,” according to the experts at the Vector Control Program of San Diego.

Get more tips on how to deal with standing water in your backyard by visiting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) website.

Set up a defensive perimeter

The folks at the Today Show suggest that you surround the backyard with “… tiki torches with citronella or other insect repellent oil to combat insects.”

In reality, there are no studies that prove citronella’s effectiveness against mosquitos. The CDC, however, suggests that oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a good alternative.

NOTE: The Mississippi Department of Health says that “Oil of lemon eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus oil are not the same product.”

Cover your food and drinks

Backyard barbecues are a beacon for lots of flying insects, such as flies and wasps. Cover all food dishes and drinks to keep them at a distance.

Martha Stewart offers up a tip for covering drinks:

• Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the bottom of paper cupcake holders.
• Turn the cupcake holders upside down and place them over the drinks, sticking straws through the punched hole.

Avoid mosquito myths

You’ll find plenty of mosquito repellent myths online. Avoid the bad and misleading information by typing “site:.edu” or “site:.gov” (without the quotation marks) after your search term. For instance:

“How to deter mosquitos site:.edu”

Here are a two of the most popular myths you’ll find online:

• Mosquitos dislike geraniums or essential oils derived from geraniums (National Institutes of Health). Geraniums and pelargoniums have no effect on mosquitos.
• Citronella candles and other products deter mosquitos. The truth is “Oil of citronella products … have little effectiveness against mosquitoes.” (Mississippi State Department of Health)

Most of the plant-based repellents suggested for mosquito control are not the plants themselves, but the distilled essences.

For more information on finding the right mosquito repellents, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s database.

Whether it’s trying to remember to turn on the porch light at night or the constant fiddling with the thermostat in your home, the day will come when you’ll decide, once and for all, to look into all the hoopla about smart homes.

You’ll soon learn that not only does a connected home offer convenience, but, if done right, it can save you money too. Want to learn more? Check out our tips for the three must-haves to get your home on the road to becoming smarter.

Start with a hub

A hub is the boss of all the connectivity devices you add to the home, controlling each one according to your parameters. You can choose from a wide range of hubs, from budget to ultra- expensive.

Our go-to review site, TomsGuide.com, chose several hubs that they claim are the best of the best for 2021:

• Best smart-home hub for those on a budget – Amazon Echo Dot
• Best overall smart-home hub – Samsung SmartThings Hub (Version 3)
• Best for the hardcore techie – Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub

Now that you have the hub, it’s time to decide what else you’d like to add to your smart-home arsenal.

No more hitting switches

If you’re like a lot of consumers, you bought or were given a smart speaker, such as the Echo, with Alexa built in.

While getting weather and news reports, lullabies for the kids and reminders for you are some of the conveniences Alexa offers, she (and other voice assistants) is capable of so much more.

So, which smart home gadget do most people buy first?

The smart plug. It’s inexpensive and versatile. While the experts at TomsGuide.com recommend the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug, those at PCMag.com suggest the Wyze Plug.

Plug the smart switch into a wall outlet and use Apple, Alexa’s or Google Home Assistant’s app to control whatever you plug into it. For instance, we have a friend who uses hers to turn on and off the grow light over her vegetable seedlings in early spring.

Plug a lamp into it and then tell Alexa to turn it off or on, at a given time each day. “It’ll let you automate anything you plug into it — lamps, desk fans, crock pots, space heaters, you name it,” says CNET.com’s Ry Crist.

Security

Another popular beginner smart home gadget is some sort of security product.

TomsGuide.com highly recommends the Arlo Q security camera, “… which is one of the best smart home devices designed for giving you peace of mind.”

The doorbell cams are big sellers. Connected to the internet, the systems allow the user to monitor their homes from any smart device.

Video doorbells such as Nest Hello get the nod from TomsGuide.com while the folks at CNet.com choose Arlo Essential Video Doorbell.

On a budget? Check out Ring Video Doorbell Wired, “The cheapest Ring video doorbell — with some compromises,” according to the review at TomsGuide.

Smart door locks follow close on the heels of the security cameras in popularity. Lock or unlock doors remotely and you can choose to access your home either keyless or with keys (depending on brand).

Speaking of brands, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is hands-down the experts’ favorite.

Set up a “scene,” and your voice assistant can put all of these elements together. For instance, say “Alexa, goodnight” and she’ll dim the lights, ensure the thermostat is where you want it while you sleep, and lock the door.

It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

 

From humans to rocks, everything ages. The average life expectancy for a water heater, for instance is between 8 and 12 years, according to the experts at Lowe’s.

Fortunately, the windows in our homes have a much longer life span–up to 20 years, depending on how they’re maintained, what they’re made of and weather, among other factors.

So, how do we know when our windows are about to bite the dust? We consulted the pros; read on to find out what they have to say.

Do they leak?

The best time to check the windows for leakage is while it’s raining or immediately after the rain stops. If the water intrusion has been persistent for some time, however, you may be able to spot evidence of it on a sunny summer day.

Here’s what to look for:

• Water leaking into the home’s interior from around the windows
• Discoloration of the window sill
• Swollen sills
• Musty smell
• Signs of mold
• Signs of moisture between panes in dual-paned windows

Moisture intrusion typically means you’ll need to replace the windows, or, at the least, the glass.

How’s that trim?

Harsh weather over the decades can take its toll on a home’s windows. In fact, if left too long, the damage may be too extreme to repair, according to Justin Bartley at nextdoorandwindow.com.

Inspect the windows from the outside, looking for cracked or rotted trim. Dark spots may be an indication of rot.

Chipping and decay are two other important signs to look for.

Operate properly?

You shouldn’t have to fight with your windows to open and close them. If you do, you may need to replace them.

“Most aging windows develop balance issues, which lead to jamming and sticking,” according to Bartley. “The formation of rust, rotting, or mold may also factor into this, indicating that your existing windows are nearing the end of their service life.”

Drafty?

If you feel drafts when near the home’s windows, or your heating and cooling bills seem higher than normal, check the window’s seals. If they are damaged, you may need to purchase new windows.

The experts at Lee’s Glass in Pensacola, Florida suggest that you take a look at “… the points where your window meets the wall and the sash meets the frame. If you can see gaps or light coming in, there is a good chance your seals have failed.”

The typical American homeowner can save up to $583 per year on heating and cooling when replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR Certified Products, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Do you like how they look?

This is an important consideration, especially if you are planning on selling your home in the near future. Not only are energy-efficient windows attractive to homebuyers, but they can dramatically improve the home’s curb appeal.

Although window replacement is expensive, it does have advantages.

We recently read a Facebook gardening group post asking “Who else loves to garden bare handed?” We were shocked at the responses, most of which agreed that they do the same.

“I need to feel the soil in my fingers,” said one response.

While garden soil may “feel” good to some, it may also contain toxins that can cause grave illnesses and even death.

Older gardeners and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of picking up an infection while gardening.

Thankfully, you can avoid these nasties. But first, an introduction.

Sporotrichosis

Commonly known as “rose gardener’s disease,” sporotrichosis is caused by Sporothrix, a fungus that thrives in plant matter and in soil.

Although most of the gardeners who’ve suffered a bout with this nasty critter contracted it by a thorn puncture, it can also enter our systems via inhalation, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The first sign of an infection, a bump on the skin, may not be apparent for up to 12 weeks, but may show up as early as one week.

“The bump can be red, pink, or purple, and usually appears on the finger, hand, or arm where the fungus has entered through a break in the skin,” according to the experts at the CDC.

“The bump will eventually grow larger and may look like an open sore or ulcer that is very slow to heal. Additional bumps or sores may appear later near the original one.”

This disease may result in infections in other parts of the body, such as joints, nervous system and lungs. Diabetics are at an increased risk for contracting sporotrichosis, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Legionellosis

The most common cause of Legionnaires’ disease is the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Most cases of the disease are from the water-borne bacterium, however the Mayo Clinic says that “A few people have contracted Legionnaires’ disease after working in a garden or using contaminated potting soil.”

The disease is a form of pneumonia

Although rare for gardeners, the CDC claims that “… transmission from potting soil has occurred …” in the U.S.

CDC experts recommend that gardeners wear gloves and a dust mask when handling compost and potting mix.

Sepsis

Manure is great for our plants but not so much for us.

“Bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes are often present in gardens as a result of using cow, horse, chicken or other animal manure,” according to Mark Blaskovich, senior research officer at the University of Queensland in Australia.

Infections with any of the aforementioned can lead to sepsis, a serious blood infection.

In fact, Blasovich refers to a case in England, “… where a 43-year-old solicitor and mother of two died five days after scratching her hand while gardening.”

Again, the use of gloves can go a long way in avoiding this disease.

Additional gardening safety recommendations include:

• Apply a wound dressing to cover scrapes, cuts or other open lesions on your arms and hands
• Always wear gardening gloves when working with soil and plants.
• Purchase puncture-proof gloves, elbow length, when working with and around roses.

 

It’s the sad truth: we can’t all afford to pop into Home Depot and plunk down $3,000 for a brand new “French Door Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel.” Heck, many Americans, especially right now, don’t have the $620 for the rock-bottom priced new fridge sans bells and whistles.

It makes sense, then, how so many of us take to websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist and OfferUp before hitting local garage sales in search of a used refrigerator.

It can be a long search to find one that’s not a lemon in disguise, so let’s take a look at what you need to think about before buying a used refrigerator.

Will it fit?

If you don’t know the measurements of your current fridge, take them now and keep them with you when you shop.

You’ll need to measure length, width and depth. According to the experts at Bosch, add an extra inch to each side and the top for clearance.

Figure out how much you can spend

Since you’ve opted to buy a used appliance instead of a new one, price is obviously important. Figure out the most you want to spend and vow to keep to the budget.

It helps to do a bit of research first. Head over to the appliance section of Home Depot, Lowe’s or Best Buy and check out which manufacturer’s garner the best reviews. Make a list of them.

Now, you not only have price as a guide, but manufacturer as well.

How much is that used refrigerator really worth?

There is no formula for determining the value of a used refrigerator. Experts recommend that you first check ads for others selling similar brands in similar condition to the one you have your eye on.

Check websites of used appliance shops in the area for prices of similar models. Don’t forget to factor in features, deducting the value if the one you’re thinking of buying doesn’t include the comparable’s features and adding value if it does.

Where to shop for your “new” old refrigerator

We’ve mentioned some shopping spots earlier, but here’s a longer list.

• Facebook marketplace. Navigate to your Facebook page and click on “Marketplace” on the left side of the page. Then, click on Home Goods in the list on the left and, finally, in the Search Marketplace box at the top of the left side of the page, type in “Refrigerator.” Refine your search further by clicking on a delivery method or local pickup.
• OfferUp.com: Type “Refrigerator” in the search box at the top of the page. The list of options to refine the search is on the left, although you’ll find that it’s not extensive.
• Craigslist.org: Yup, it’s still around.
• Garage sales
• Used appliance outlets
• Large retailers’ scratch and dent outlets, such as American Freight (formerly Sears Outlet) and Best Buy Outlet.
• Ask around at work.

Questions to ask the seller

Make a list of all the questions you’ll ask. This might include:

• Why are you selling your refrigerator?
• How old is it? (A refrigerator more than 10 years may not be as big a bargain as you think. The lack of energy efficiency may create higher utility bills for you.)
• How long have you owned it?
• Did you buy it new?
• Are there any problems with it?
• If you haven’t seen photos of the fridge, ask if the seller would mind emailing or texting them to you.
• Does it need any parts? This is an important question because even the tiniest part for a refrigerator can be pricey. If it needs a handle or shelf, research the cost before agreeing to buy the appliance. You can do this online at appliancepartspros.com or partselect.com.

What to look for when viewing the refrigerator in person

• Plug it in to ensure that it runs
• Is it cool? If you’ve had to plug it in, keep in mind that “Initial cool-down takes time,” according to the pros at American Appliance Repair. In fact, it can take up to 24 hours to reach the proper temperature. At least wait a few minutes to see if it’s getting cool.
• Check the seal. “An easy way to test for air leakage is to close the door on a piece of paper; when you attempt to pull out the page, you should feel some resistance,” claim the experts at hometips.com. “A poor seal could signify a bad gasket around the door’s perimeter or hinges that need to be adjusted,” they conclude.
• Does it stink? Reconsider purchasing it. Bad odors are exceptionally difficult to remove from a refrigerator.
• Inspect the coils. The location of condenser coils isn’t universal, so you may have to do some sleuthing to find them. Often, they are at the bottom of the refrigerator, behind the grill. Or they may be on the back, under a covering. Look for excessive dust buildup. This is a clue that the owner hasn’t maintained the unit, and the “motor may have endured undue strain,” according to the pros with Appliance Repair Specialists.
• Inspect the compressor. “Open the door and leave it open for a few moments to get the compressor to turn on,” instructs Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. “The temperature control can also activate the motor. The compressor should operate, and start and stop smoothly, without a noticeable shudder that rattles the refrigerator.” The authors offer additional refrigerator inspection tips at nachi.org.

Out with the old

Finally, recycle the old unit. Compactappliance.com offers a brilliant article on the various ways to get rid of the old refrigerator in a responsible manner.

Green – a word that can indicate envy or inexperience, it can conjure up a frog named Kermit, or immature fruit.

It’s also a descriptor of a lifestyle that is concerned with environmentalism.

While many Americans take this concern to the max, others adopt pieces of a green lifestyle. This way, they can do their part to help the environment while saving money in the process.

A Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) study found that more than 40% of us will purchase green products for the home. If you’re among this group, read on to learn three easy ways to make your life at home a bit greener.

1. Go green when you clean

You’ll find lots of cleaning products at the supermarket, labeled “eco-friendly” or “green.” Do they work as well as traditional cleaners?

“Indeed they do, according to according to research analyst Samara Geller with the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “They have been demonstrated to be just as effective at tackling various cleaning chores as traditional cleaning products,” she claims.

But not all so-called eco-friendly products are created equal and even the experts at EWG.org admit that. In fact, they recommend that when shopping for cleaners to use in the home, ensure that they are:

• Certified by Green Seal or Ecologo
• Fragrance-free
• Free of quaternary ammonium compounds or triclosan

Go online to the Environmental Working Group’s website to find out which cleaners they recommend.

2. Save the environment by installing a new thermostat

If you haven’t read up on programmable thermostats, what are you waiting for? Basically, you program in the times you want the home’s temperature to warm or cool and to regulate what it should do when nobody is at home.

Look for a “smart thermostat,” which will “learn” your heating and cooling habits and you can control it from an app.

The folks at the U.S. Department of Energy find that you could save up to 10% on cooling and heating your home just by dialing back the thermostat 7 degrees while you’re at work.

3. Save  with this simple tip

What’s simpler than changing a light bulb? If you ensure that the new bulbs are ENERGY STAR® certified you’ll save up to 90% in energy consumption, according to the owner of the ENERGY STAR registered trademark, the EPA.

Take these three steps to a greener home to help protect your family, your pocketbook and the environment.

You can clean your home like a professional. Organize and decorate ‘til the cows come home. Nine times out of 10, however, what your guests will notice first are those little eyesores that you’ve grown so accustomed to that you no longer notice them.

It’s the snake’s nest of cables and cords near the TV and/or the computer, the art work hung too high and the car keys and mail haphazardly thrown on a table or counter. The neater and cleaner a home is, the more a guest’s eyes will be drawn to the eyesores; they’re out of place and catch our eyes.

We rounded up some of the more common household eyesores and the solutions for them. Easy DIY projects, you can get started on them this weekend.

1. Cords and cables galore

They’re found in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, office and even in the exercise room. Wherever there are electronics you’ll find cords, chargers and cables, typically in a tangled mess.

Even one cord, say from the cable outlet to the TV mounted high on the wall, can be an eyesore.

Thankfully, there are some pretty nifty inventions to help you hide the mess.

Check out the cable management boxes at Amazon.com. We like the D-Line Cable Management Box for its understated branding, making it a bit more stylish than the others.

Other ideas include:

• Clipping the mess to the back of furniture. Amazon carries non-damaging plastic clips for this purpose.
• Hide that cord from the wall-mounted TV with a cord concealer kit.
• Check out the Cable Slinky, a rubber, spiral cord wrap.
• For cords and cables that snake through the home, consider baseboard cord channels. These self-adhesive channels are attached at the bottom of baseboards for a seamless solution to the cord clutter problem.
• Finally, check out this ingenious solution (fake books!) from an Etsy seller.

2.Heating/cooling ugliness

Used only a few months out of the year, the window-installed AC unit can become an eyesore. We found several projects that will help you conceal it and its cousin the radiator, during the periods they aren’t in use.

• An adorable DIY window AC unit enclosure that cost the creator only $30 in supplies. Find it online at vintagemeetsglam.com.
• Wall-mounted radiators? We love this clever DIY solution we found at thespruce.com.
• Camouflage air vent returns with covers. You can buy them online at beaux-artsclassicproducts.com  or fancyvents.com.
• If you’re handy with tools, you may want to try this DIY hide-the-AC-unit shoe rack project at engineeryourspace.com.
• Love Ikea hacks as much as we do? Check out this amazing, trendy project to hide the AC unit at popsugar.com.

3. Dress up the box spring mattress

Sure, you can buy a dust ruffle to hide the box spring mattress in the guest bedroom, but there are more on-trend solutions you can try.

DIY the project with stunning fabric and a staple gun. Get the how-to at rainonatinroof.com or thisoldhouse.com.

Earlier we touched on one eyesore that drives designers nuts and is an eyesore to visitors: pictures hung too high. So, just how high on the wall should you hang them? Find out from bobvila.com.

 

The average water heater’s life span is 10 to 15 years, according to energysaver.gov. This is a general rule because not all water heaters fit that time frame.

Because many homeowners don’t understand that these appliances require annual maintenance, some water heaters poop out much sooner.

If you’re shopping for a traditional, tank-style water heater, do yourself a favor and compare them to tankless units. Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits of tankless water heaters

A standard water heater holds water that is constantly being heated. “That means you’re paying to have hot water whether you need it or not,” according to the researchers at consumerreports.org.

Tankless water heaters, often referred to as “on-demand” units, offer heated water only when you need it. They do this by flash-heating the “… water as it passes through the unit, using a heat exchanger to rapidly bring it up to temperature,” explain the folks at Consumer Reports.

This benefit alone saves homeowners from $70 to $100 a year on energy bills, depending on how much hot water is used.

Tankless water heaters last longer than the fuel-powered variety. Most will last more than 20 years while, as mentioned earlier, heaters with a tank have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

Additionally, tankless water heaters don’t contain the sediment and rust of their tank counterparts so they provide cleaner water.

Finally, with a tankless water heater, you’ll receive hot water on demand. No longer will you have to waste water waiting for the cold to turn to hot.

And, the downside

Tankless water heaters cost more than their larger cousins. “The average homeowner pays $2,811​ for an installed 150,000 BTU tankless whole-house gas water heater,” according to the researchers at fixr.com.

Installation charges vary, however, depending on size, whether it’s electric, solar or gas, whether you need additional gas lines added and other items. You’ll find many of these listed at homeguide.com.

Remember, though, that tankless units have longer life spans than traditional water heaters and they cost less in both energy usage and operating costs.

Learn more about tankless water heater advantages at energystar.gov and find out if rebates are offered by entering your ZIP Code here.