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Author Profiles

Joe Bousquin

Joe Bousquin's work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, and Men's Journal. He owns a 79-year-old home in Sacramento, Calif.

Articles by this author

Tankless water heater installed in an attic

Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters

When it’s time to replace your water heater, you’ll find a wide array of high-efficiency models offering big energy savings. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $300/yr (off energy bills)
Investment Med $900-$2,000
Added to Binder
Tankless water heaters displayed on the outside of a house

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

Tankless water heaters promise big energy savings, but they aren’t right for every household. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $100/yr. (off energy bills)
Effort Low 1 day (install)
Investment Med $1,500-$2,500
Added to Binder
Plumber installing polyethylene tubing

Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing?

What to look for and consider to determine if you should replace plumbing and deteriorating pipes. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 1-5 days
Investment High $4,000-$10,000 (whole house)
Added to Binder
Plumber working on home plumbing

Caring for Your Plumbing System

Care for your pipes so they’ll last longer—and prevent a costly plumbing disaster later. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1 hr-1 day
Investment Low $100-$1,000 (simple repairs)
Added to Binder
Turning down conventional hot water heater's thermostat

Water Heaters: 5 Tips for Saving Energy

Water heating accounts for up to 25% of household energy costs, but there are inexpensive things you can do to increase efficiency and reduce energy bills. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $30/yr off water heating bill
Effort Low 1-4 hrs to insulate
Investment Low $30-$50 to insulate
Added to Binder
Water heater and HVAC in basement

Water Heaters: Repair or Replace?

When deciding whether to repair or replace a water heater, consider its age, the severity of the problem, and how much money a new energy-efficient unit will save. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Low $62/yr off water heating bill
Effort Low 1 day to install replacement
Investment Low $500 to $1,500 installed
Added to Binder