Home improvement makes the home look better, increases its value, and gives it a modern look. Although home improvements can often be very costly, even when budgeted, the outcome is always worth the time and resources as specific improvements can save you money in the future. Fortunately, there are several exciting ways to modify your home without spending a fortune.
When it comes to improving the home, there are certain improvements you can consider to reduce the cost of running your home. Be it to remodel an existing space or build a new one, here are some ways to save money while improving your home.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are cost-effective. They use solar energy, which comes from the sun, which is entirely free. Although the initial cost of installing a panel can be high, once this is done, you get to enjoy clean energy flow at minimum prices. The use of solar panels can reduce your energy bills drastically.
Additionally, this energy source is renewable, which means that your investment will never be obsolete as long as there is sunlight. Solar energy is a great way to conserve the environment, and the energy can be used for lighting, powering appliances, and heating water.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
How you use and manage your home appliances can affect your power bill. Therefore, to avoid high energy bills, you should use energy-efficient appliances. To maintain your appliances, make sure you turn off your appliances when not in use. Additionally, changing your old appliances is always more effective if they are too old to function or are not functioning optimally.
Smart Home Tech
Smart home technology is one investment you should consider if you intend to save money both in the short and long term. In addition to saving you money in the long run, smart home tech products offer you convenience in running your home. Smart home technologies enable effective control of your home’s energy use.
These products serve several purposes, including automating temperatures, turning on and off lights, adjusting irrigation based on the weather, and opening and closing window treatments. Examples of smart home technology are smart thermostats, smart lighting, and intelligent sprinklers, among others. To have these installed correctly, you should use platforms such as MyBuilder to search for local electricians near you to get the job done.
Tankless Water Heaters
This home improvement can reduce your energy bills, as with a tankless water heater, where the water is kept hot throughout the day through energy. Tankless water heaters require less energy, which means less fossil fuel is needed and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This device saves you money and can be used for a long time.
Safety and Security System
With a high safety and security system, your home is less likely to be invaded by burglars. And this, in turn, can give you a lower insurance premium and improve your family’s safety. Therefore, by having a safety and security system in place, your home’s insurance is lowered while the safety of your home is boosted.
A Rain Water Harvesting System
If the regulations in your area allow it, installing a rainwater harvesting system can save you a couple of bucks. Harvested rainwater can be used for cleaning, watering plants, flushing toilets, and even washing the car and laundry. For this project, you need a storage tank, gutters, a filter, and a professional to install the water harvesting system. By harvesting rainwater, you get a chance to reduce your monthly water bill. Additionally, this system benefits the environment as issues of soil erosion and stagnant water are eliminated.
Insulation
Insulating certain areas of your home, especially the attic, can save you money in the long run. When the house is well insulated, you spend less money keeping it cool or warm during the summer and winter. This is ideal for older homes that were constructed without energy efficiency in mind. Carrying out an energy audit can give you an estimate of how much insulation your home needs.
Plant More Trees
Do you know that planting trees on your property can impact your energy usage positively? According to research, planting shade trees can reduce the amount of energy used for cooling and heating and give your home more aesthetics. Tree shades can lower the air temperature by three to six degrees, saving you extra bucks in cooling and heating every year.
Use Low-Flow Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures are beneficial to both the environment and your finances. They help reduce water usage, and this, in turn, reduces the water bills. Additionally, low-flow fixtures can reduce energy costs as your water heater uses less power to heat up the less water that flows through the faucet. These fixtures are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. After purchasing, search for local “electricians near me” on your browsing device to help with the installation.
Update Your Roofing
Updating your roof is an inevitable expense for every homeowner. No matter the roofing material used, it deteriorates, so updating your roof is one home improvement that can help you save money in the long run, as you will be protected from costly consequences such as leak damage.
Splurge On The Hardwood Floors
Wood floors are indeed costlier to install than carpet. However, they are classy and can be cost-effective over time. While carpet lasts for at least ten years, hardwood floors, on the other hand, can last three times that duration if well cared for. This makes hardwood floors a money-saver and a home improvement worth trying out.
Install a Leak Detector
It can be costly to repair water links, especially when the water issue becomes severe. This is why a leak detector is a cheap and cost-effective home investment. A leak detector alerts you to water leak problems before they get intense. Installing one isn’t expensive too; you should search for “electricians near me” on your search engine.
Ditch the Incandescent Lights
Installing energy-efficient bulbs can reduce and save you money on additional home costs regarding electricity bills. LED bulbs and CFLs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. Additionally, you can opt for app-controlled smart bulbs, which are capable of turning themselves off automatically, reducing the waste of electricity.
Consider Low-E Windows or Window Film
Direct sunlight on your window makes your air conditioner work overtime. With a Low-E or low-emissivity window, this isn’t an issue. Low-E windows are specifically designed to let in less heat in the summer and retain it during the winter. However, these windows aren’t cheap, but if you get them, they could save you more money annually.
Conclusion
With the right home improvement project, you can save on your total monthly expenditure in the short and long term. In addition to saving costs, some home improvements also increase the value of your home if you want to sell it in the future.
Finally, when it comes to home improvement, only take care of projects you are skilled at handling. That is if you intend to carry out such projects yourself and if contacting a contractor, make sure you go for one who is qualified to handle such tasks. When done correctly, home improvement can be an asset to your home, saving you future expenses.
