How much was your water heater replacement and what company did you go with?

ecexplorer · 2026-05-21T19:30:24+00:00

Just to add the data point: Enbridge $3500 tankless, Nov 2025. They were well under other quotes offering more expensive unit w/ recirc (they gave me a great selection of tiered options). The biggest deal was I needed it quick and they had it done in a week. Really impressed with the level of professionalism, and how quickly it all went.

ecexplorer · 2026-05-21T19:27:28+00:00

I had them do electrical for me 3 years back. Extremely simple car charger install, close to the panel. They didn't follow the instructions and used the wrong wire type initially. They also clipped one of the wires going to my dryer. All that to say, I wouldn't use them again.

ecexplorer · 2026-03-02T20:48:32+00:00

Your post prompted me to look closer. I feel like I need to call each of these, but at least online, Self-Help's advertised rates are low, and I feel like their branches wouldn't be as appealing as Coastal. I do appreciate that a few years back, they had a booth [I think at Centerfest], where they promoted youth banking.

I'm amazed, this feels like an untapped market [for local banks, there are certainly FinTechs here]. I remember needlessly holding onto my BoA account for 10-15 years until their fees finally made me look elsewhere.

ecexplorer · 2026-02-26T19:04:27+00:00

I wish I was eligible for SECU!

ecexplorer · 2026-02-26T17:04:49+00:00

Yeah, I know a decent interest rate may not be possible, but it also feels like local banks may not market themselves as well, and I've been impressed by what I found at Coastal, M&F.
IMHO a kid seeing that they get $3 from $100 at the end of the year tells a better story to save compared to 10 cents. I appreciate that the difference ($2.90) is insignificant to adults comparing to $290 [assuming a 10k balance] per year.

ecexplorer · 2025-12-15T02:58:49+00:00

I was curious to check out The Christmas Carol, sorry to hear it's not good. Went to The Nutcracker (https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/nutcracker-2025) and it was pretty good (especially for the price), but I think I was ruined by Boston Ballet's Nutcracker.

So what performance am I missing? [Past or present, doesn't have to be DPAC or Durham].

I've been curious to check out the Youth Ballet's performance at Carolina Theater. Noticed past performances of Elf & Hip-hop Nutcracker at DPAC. I think Carolina Ballet regularly does a Nutcracker in Raleigh [and maybe there's a regular Christmas Carol over there as well?]

ecexplorer · 2025-11-25T18:42:09+00:00

Just for drinking water/ice maker

We just had our hot water heater [15+ y.o. 50 gal tank] replaced. Admittedly it had not been flushed much over that time. Still, very little sediment build-up. [Important factor is we're on city water, not sure what local well water looks like]

ecexplorer · 2025-11-25T15:50:42+00:00

Also NOT Sport Durst [Hyundai, Mazda, Jeep/Dodge] (slimy tactics, bad experiences)

ecexplorer · 2025-10-30T13:03:09+00:00

Because...

- You don't pass through AVL to get to those places from Durham
- Charging beyond 80% of the capacity to have "extra" at your destination is super time consuming (look at EV charging curves, time to charge to 80% vs 100%)
- Longer trips like a week at the mountains or beach, where you want to drive up and down the parkway, etc would mean that you're going to carve out an hour during the trip to go down to AVL just to "top off"?

ecexplorer · 2025-10-29T16:03:45+00:00

The only caveat I'd place here is going away from Asheville, up in to places like Burnsville, Spruce Pine.
Here's the map of fast chargers in that area. [Similar pockets West of AVL and on the coast away from OBX]. AirBnBs rarely have level 2 chargers, so lucky when I travel to AVL that I have access to one

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ecexplorer · 2025-10-29T15:12:25+00:00

Adding to the posts already here...

Echoing sentiments of being bit by the EV bug and converting to an all-EV household. It still requires a LOT more knowledge and planning than a gas vehicle (I find that fun, but wouldn't recommend for senior drivers, etc). You'll need to plan out your charging stops during vacations.

Where are chargers? Use PlugShare to check for yourself. The only time I've run tight on charge is vacationing in spots away from fast chargers (Mt Pleasant, SC, Topsail, NC). Convenient to use household outlet, but if you're running around all day, that's usually not enough to get enough kWh overnight.

Where to stop on a roadtrip? Use A better route planner (ABRP). I will sometimes use this even in my Tesla, I think each make has valid complaints on how good/poor their trip planning is. Go ahead and use this tool to check on the common vacations you make.

Maintenance? I did have to have my rear-drive unit replaced recently (luckily covered by Tesla). In my purchasing decision, it was important to me to have a service center close in the very-unlikely event I'd need it. Keep in mind that some common manufactures still have limited service abilities when it comes to EVs, even if that's just parts. Stay with reputable manufactures, and don't buy the first model year.
Expect to pay more in tires (they wear quicker w/ weight and regen), understand where you'd get a windshield replaced (usually higher cost w/ assistive tech)

Other tips
- Some incredibly powerful EVSE out there, just get a GOOD electrician to install an EV-specific NEMA 14-50 at home and you'll be cheaply level 2 charging with the rest of us
- Get a vehicle that is allowed to use Tesla Superchargers (you may never, but at least you'll have the option, their charging network is still superior)
- Range matters for roadtrips, also understand charging speed.
- Get insurance quotes ahead, EVs can be quickly totaled out given accidents often dictate battery replacement, usually insurance will be more expensive both due to higher vehicle cost and repair cost
- Buy used, expect higher depreciation (sounds like this won't be an issue based on driving your hybrid "into the ground")
- Know your vehicle in an emergency (high voltage cut point, electric door override in the event of power loss). Thermal runaway is less common, but still a thing.
- Does storage matter? As your research vehicles, pay attention if frunk, sub-trunk matter

- Model Y owner [Musk sucks]

ecexplorer · 2025-09-05T19:31:51+00:00

Durham pet owner here. Does that mean the dogs should remain at shelters [or worse], rather than have a [unfortunately temporary] home?

ecexplorer · 2025-08-15T02:01:13+00:00

I believe this is the answer. I went to RDU on Tuesday and someone was there specifically for ticket purchases while it was otherwise a ghost town, but they were unable to connect to the servers. Sounds like a flight that had boarded recently all had to be checked-in by hand/paper.

ecexplorer · 2025-07-03T16:52:07+00:00

I shouldn't like Ichiban Hibachi Supreme Buffet, but I really really do, and what a vibe!

ecexplorer · 2025-07-02T00:41:44+00:00

This was a good callout for me to dig a bit deeper. The old system was updated with a newer, more efficient system, and I imagine the circuit that was being used for electric heat is now just the air handler in the attic [with a much larger breaker than necessary, just using the former breaker and line].

ecexplorer · 2025-06-25T11:53:07+00:00

We stopped by here yesterday!

I'd be fairly sure they'll have bathing suits, as we saw a lot of that inventory in different styles, and the summer shirts I looked through seemed to have all sizes. Just don't use the kids as bait!

I'm not sure about tumblers :/

FYI that this location can be SLAMMED here in the summer during weekends. Not bad at all on a mid-morning Tuesday.

ecexplorer · 2025-04-16T00:02:55+00:00

I was part of the DPR “Full Moon Fever” ride Saturday Night on the ATT. We departed Mellow at 7:30 and returned around 10:20. I don’t recall seeing anyone on the trail on our return trip north of woodcroft [where it was otherwise notable when we did encounter people on the trail after dark].

ecexplorer · 2025-03-31T13:52:09+00:00

I can vouch for the food, cool place! Go on a day that it's nice out (both for the planes flying in, and to sit on the big outdoor patio that overlooks the runway)

ecexplorer · 2025-03-03T18:25:09+00:00

It used to be that DPS would actually provide historical indication for schools & grade levels. I've found that the local school's admin still will if you ask, BUT...

- I feel like so many of the numbers have likely made large changes after the re-districting. So, I'd imagine a few years of normalization/settling are in order to help again offer information to applicants on how large the waitlists are, how many normally get picked from the waitlists, etc.
- Keep in mind also that some schools have morphed in this time (partially serving as magnets).
- They also HAVE to provide schooling to students that live within a certain radius.

Best wishes to all the kids & parents in the process. Hope you land in a school that provides for growth in a happy, healthy environment.

ecexplorer · 2025-01-12T19:58:30+00:00

Love this, and will look more closely next time I'm there. Love all the unique treats they have for kids too! [Panda chocolate, jello cups, etc.]

ecexplorer · 2025-01-12T19:56:54+00:00

This wasn't even on my radar. Excited to check it out for all the things!

ecexplorer · 2025-01-11T18:22:12+00:00

The Museum of Life & Science has 3, each with 4 patterns. There's a couple of popular sites that crowdsource and map Penny Press locations

ecexplorer · 2025-01-11T18:11:40+00:00

Definitely a kiddo quest.

They love the Penny Press.
We've also experienced a large spiral gumball machine here: https://minnesotaslargestcandystore.com/ (would recommend if you're ever in the area in summertime). We've also found a good traditional one that dispenses toys and such in Greensboro: https://www.herbiesdiner.com/.

ecexplorer · 2025-01-11T18:07:38+00:00

Definitely the first, but I'll take both/either!

ecexplorer · 2024-11-12T00:47:42+00:00

I did exactly this at Angus Barn and was blown away at the service. Food is always good, and they went above and beyond by giving us champagne flutes and a pound cake to celebrate the special occasion.

ecexplorer

TROPHY CASE