Do you unplug everything before you leave home?
Dec 31, 2006, 5:46 pm
#31
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I have an auto shut off iron that I make sure is unplugged when I leave for any length of time.
Jan 1, 2007, 8:43 am
#32
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I wouldn't unplug anything except perhaps computer-related stuff for a day or 2, but when we leave for several weeks, I unplug all computer-related stuff and expensive electronics (actually, I unplug their power strips/backups and disconnect their phone/cable line connections). We've previously lost 2 tvs, 1 VCR, had computer damage during thunderstorms.
When we're away I also turn off the water supply to the dishwasher, washing machine and toilets. I've known people who had extensive (and expensive) damage from leaking pipes and/or hoses.
When we're away I also turn off the water supply to the dishwasher, washing machine and toilets. I've known people who had extensive (and expensive) damage from leaking pipes and/or hoses.
Jan 1, 2007, 8:52 am
#33
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Jan 1, 2007, 9:01 am
#34
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I don't unplug anything, but if I will be gone for more than a few days, I turn the water off. It is possible for the rubber hoses that connect to the washing machine to burst or the hot water heater could start to leak.
In the winter, if it gets cold enough for the pipes to freeze, you are better off with the water shut off.
In the winter, if it gets cold enough for the pipes to freeze, you are better off with the water shut off.
You should replace those rubber hoses with the metals ones. The rubber ones will burst at some point in time and it is ugly when it happens.
Jan 1, 2007, 9:06 am
#35
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Jan 1, 2007, 10:04 am
#36
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Also for about $100 you can buy a device that attaches between the water and washing machine and the power and the washing machine. It shuts off the water until the machine draws power. That way niether the hoses or the machine can leak water.
Jan 1, 2007, 1:51 pm
#37
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After living in Russia for so many years, yes I do. Russians do it instinctively. Power surges, faulty wiring, and bad luck have a way of training you to be paranoid about it.
Having recently learned about vampire appliances, I think about it a lot more and even do some things I've never done before. My family spent 3 weeks out of the country recently and I went so far as to flip off the hot water heater breaker before leaving. Our power bill was still only about 30% less than before. I think my wife must have plugged in some lights on timers or something after I'd made my sweep of the house. Oh well.
Having recently learned about vampire appliances, I think about it a lot more and even do some things I've never done before. My family spent 3 weeks out of the country recently and I went so far as to flip off the hot water heater breaker before leaving. Our power bill was still only about 30% less than before. I think my wife must have plugged in some lights on timers or something after I'd made my sweep of the house. Oh well.
).
Jan 1, 2007, 5:20 pm
#41
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Jan 2, 2007, 6:48 am
#42
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I didn't say I learned about it on FT (though I learn about everything else here practically). Click here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0926065912.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0926065912.htm
Jan 2, 2007, 7:11 am
#43
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I don't unplug anything - and in fact, I make sure the ceiling fans in my living room and bedroom are running before I walk out the door. I live in an old funky Florida beach house on the water and the fans at least keep air circulating so it's not too stifling when I get home. Some months when I'm gone 25 out of 30 or 31 days, my FPL bill is only $5-8 so I'm not too worried about it.
On turning off water, I seem to recall when I lived in Alaska that we would actually leave a teeny tiny slow drip of water going in the faucets when we'd be gone in winter to insure that the pipes did not freeze.
On turning off water, I seem to recall when I lived in Alaska that we would actually leave a teeny tiny slow drip of water going in the faucets when we'd be gone in winter to insure that the pipes did not freeze.
Jan 2, 2007, 9:57 am
#45
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I have a ski condo. It has had brown outs in the past, Once a tree fell on the wires going to the 4 units in our block only and we lost SOME power but not all, and another time, a person who owns one told me this type of thing happened and he lost his TV, VCR and coffee maker. We don't think that will happen again because of plain old odds and luck, but sometimes, since we are not always up there, I do turn things off or unplug them.
one thing you could do is cut the main power in the electrical box in your utility room. We do this with the hot water heater in the summer
MM
in the winter I do unplug coffee and toaster. We dont need TV. there is skiing to be had!
one thing you could do is cut the main power in the electrical box in your utility room. We do this with the hot water heater in the summer
MM in the winter I do unplug coffee and toaster. We dont need TV. there is skiing to be had!