I know there are lots of parts at work to make my HVAC system run at full steam, and I’m grateful to all of them for keeping me comfortably cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. When they start to struggle, I owe it to them to make the repairs and replacements happen as soon as possible. And it’s a win-win, of course, because there’s never a convenient time to have an air conditioning unit or furnace that’s out of commission.

When the water pump malfunctions, here’s what homeowners need to know about the replacement costs:

Reasons for water pump replacement

Your HVAC appliances accumulate water as they operate. Pools of liquid don’t mix well with system performance, which is why there’s a water pump – also known as a condensate pump – to drain the excess water. These pumps often lose function over time due to wear and tear, accumulated debris or a failed motor. One of the most obvious signs of water pump trouble is leaking, which becomes apparent when there are small puddles of water accumulating around appliances. Air conditioner or furnace malfunctions may also be caused by a failing condensate pump, but you may need an HVAC professional to inspect the system to confirm that the pump is the issue.

Cost projections

A new condensate pump can cost anywhere from $40 to $300. Labor expenses included, HVAC water pump replacement generally costs about $250 to $500. The factors that may contribute to final price variations include:

Pump type: The cost will vary depending on the brand and model you choose. Generally, your choice will be limited to the specifications of your current pump.

Capacity: HVAC water pumps have a GPM or GPH rate, which indicates how many gallons of water the pump can remove per minute or hour. ConsumerMentor.com advises buying a pump that can remove two to three times your HVAC systems’ input condensing rate. You’ll also need to consider pump voltage and horsepower, as some appliances and systems require higher levels for proper performance.

Labor: Installation costs will vary depending on the company. Handy homeowners can save on labor expenses by completing the replacement project on their own – but don’t tackle the HVAC project if you aren’t comfortable with the task. It’s not worth jeopardizing your safety or unintentionally creating a more serious issue.

Once installed, keep practicing your preventative HVAC maintenance and your pump should be good to go for many days of heating and cooling to come.

Being prepared for home repairs is always a good strategy. See how plans from Service Lines Warranties of American can help with the costs of home repairs.

I have a rule. If it is not marked “dishwasher safe”, then it’s a no go. (I refuse to spend my hard earned money on anything I have to hand wash.) Yep, that’s right. In my opinion, life’s too short to spend hours washing dishes. I know that some think dishwashers aren’t as necessary as other kitchen appliances — as those on Team Hand Washing think it’s a better option. But not me. I love the convenience of letting my built-in dishwasher do the dirty work for me.

In my effort to conserve water at home, I started to wonder about my beloved dishwasher. How much water and energy use went into each load, and if there was any way I could cut down on those numbers? Here’s what I found out:

So, tell me: How much water does a dishwasher use?

Conventional dishwashers use about 10 gallons of water per load, according to CNET. However, standards established in 2013 require dishwashers to cap their water usage at 5 gallons per load. Energy saving models can even cut it down to 3 gallons, saving nearly 5,000 gallons of water each year, as calculated by the Department of Energy.

But wait: How do dishwashers compare to the kitchen sink?

Good news: The dishwashing vs. hand-washing debate tilts in favor of the oh-so-convenient appliance. (Phew, TG!) If you cleaned a full dishwasher’s worth of dishes in your sink, it could use up to 27 gallons of water, as noted by CNET.

Models certified according to the joint DOE and Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star standards actually use less water than hand-washing your dishes. In fact, doing the dirty work yourself costs an average of $413 more in water and energy use than using a certified dishwasher, according to Energy Star. Plus, dishwashers can handle higher temperatures than your hands, which means there will be far more sanitary action.

How to cut down on dishwasher water use

As you might expect, the best way to save water without changing your dishwashing habits is to install an Energy Star-qualified model. However, there are other tricks to boost the efficiency of both conventional and energy saving dishwashers.

Try these water and energy saving tips:

• Only run your dishwasher when it’s completely full: Make sure you load it properly so you don’t waste water on inefficient loads.
• Skip the pre-rinse: Scrape away the large chunks of food, but modern dishwashers can handle the rest. You’ll save 55,000 gallons of water over the life of the appliance by skipping the rinse, according to Lowe’s.
• Maintain your appliance: It may seem counterintuitive, but you do need to clean your dishwasher about once a month.
• Know the easy fixes: Here’s how to tackle common dishwasher problems so you aren’t stuck washing by hand – and wasting water while you’re at it.

While these efforts will help improve your dishwasher’s efficiency, there’s one more thing you can do to protect your dishwasher: Be prepared in advance for unexpected breakdowns and repairs with an appliance home warranty.

See how plans from Service Lines Warranties of American can help with the costs of home repairs.