Household appliances are expensive investments, so it's an alarming moment when the hot water heater sputters to a stop or the washing machine starts spewing suds all over the laundry room. If you're lucky, the problem is something that can be inexpensively repaired. However, sometimes your appliance is telling you it's time for a brand-new model. In fact, depending on how old your current model is, you could actually save money and come out ahead by purchasing a new, energy-efficient unit. How do you know when it's time to call the repairman, or time to pull the plug? Carefully consider your options when a machine is on the fritz: 

Do It Yourself

The first step is to read your repair manual and search online for people who have had similar problems. It could be that the issue is something simple that you can fix yourself. Things like clogged drains or filters should be an easy repair. 

Are You Under Warranty?

Lucky you. If your appliance is still under warranty, you may be eligible for free parts, a free repair or even a whole new unit, depending on the terms of your contract. Make sure to save all the paperwork when you make a major purchase, and read it over carefully before putting out any money for a repair. 

Call a Professional

If your appliance is only a few years old, it's probably worth the money to have a reliable professional come look at it and give you an estimate on what a repair should cost. Fixes like installing new motors or belts probably won't break the bank. If it's less than half the price of buying a new machine, it's probably worth it to fix instead of buy. Ask how many more years you can expect the appliance to last after a repair.

Time to Go Shopping

If your appliance is more than 6 or 7 years old, or if it's broken down numerous times in the past, it's time to start looking for a new model. If you are still coaxing an ancient, decades-old device into health, you might be shocked at how much you can save with an upgrade.

If you decide it's time to buy a new unit, do your research before you buy. The federal Energy Star program maintains a directory of products that meet strict efficiency guidelines, so you can be sure that whatever you buy will help tamp down your utility bills. Do some math to figure out how long your expected energy savings will take to cover the cost of the appliance. Also, don't forget to factor in any delivery or installation charges, plus the removal bill for the old unit.

Take Care of Your Appliances 

Finally, don't forget to read and follow all manufacturer instructions and keep up with any routine maintenance for your household appliances to extend their life and prevent breakdowns in the first place. A few minutes of work per year can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

A smart thermostat is an upgrade from the standard controls of a heating and cooling system. These digital devices are programmable, adjusting the temperature up or down according to the time of day, but what really sets them apart is their wireless connectivity. You can control a smart thermostat remotely through the Internet with a smartphone, tablet or computer. Once your thermostat is installed, they’re easy to use, efficient and give you data that helps you save money.

It’s happened to nearly everyone. You come home and your heating or cooling system is running even though the house has been empty for hours. With a smart device controlling your furnace and air conditioner, you avoid this wasteful situation. Set your HVAC controls to mesh with your weekday and weekend routines. If you get up everyday at 6 a.m., program the thermostat to feel comfortable as you wake up. When you leave for work a couple of hours later, your furnace will adjust to the temperature of your choice.

Controlling your thermostat remotely with a smartphone is especially helpful if you have a change in schedule. If you come home early, adjust the heating or cooling system on route with a phone or tablet. Your home will progress to a comfortable temperature in time for your arrival. Abrupt changes in temperature waste energy, so resetting your thermostat remotely for a gradual change is economical.

Smart thermostats give you a lot of data in real time, allowing you to monitor energy use and approximate costs. Once you take a look at your habits, you might find ways to fine-tune them. Some thermostats also have apps that guide you to the most economical settings.

Basements are excellent spaces for storing things you don’t want taking up space on the main floors of your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before the basement becomes a bit of a catch-all and gets crowded. The lack of proper lighting and the walls in general don’t make the space very appealing, so it seems like the only thing it is really good for is hiding your storage. What if you could add spruce up the basement, even just half of it and make it a little more inviting? Would you do it? An electrician in Los Angeles can help you transform the dark space into one that looks beautiful and is filled with light. The team at The Electric Connection wants to help you do just that.

One of the biggest problems you will find in a basement is the lighting. It is either way too dark or way too brightly lit with some garish shop lights that will blind you if you look directly at them. The lights tend to leave a yellow glare on everything and it is just unpleasing overall. Imagine being able to step down those stairs into a room with carpeting or vinyl, paint on the walls and beautiful lighting that gives the room an inviting feel. Your Los Angeles electrician can really do that—the lighting part of it anyways. Really, the lighting is one of the most important details. It can make or break a space.

Basements are tough to work with because of the lack of natural light and the low ceilings. In order for the space to look big and bright, recessed lights should be installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners will love how much light there is in the space. Another perk is they are not going to lose any ceiling space. The lights are recessed right into the ceiling so you don’t have to worry about your tall friend hitting his head. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your basement lighting installation.

It was only a matter of time before I gave you a post about this. I’ve been trolling blogs, news networks, and Image via DirJournal.com

9. This house gives passersby a little bit of everything – colorful trees, animals, icicles, candy canes, and I think I see Santa’s sleigh somewhere in there. I just hope he can find the chimney!

7. These homeowners really deserve congratulations for the intricacies of this design. The neighbors also deserve congratulations for putting up with it.

5. This house comes in at #5 for creating such a striking space with only one color light. Dipped in sugar, anyone? Also, points for adding new architectural features, like that crown-ish turret.

3. Points to #3 for doing something entirely new, with shocking precision.