Home improvement is a great way to add value to a home. Some of the most common renovations include kitchen and bathroom updates, exterior painting, and adding a garden or deck. Although some of these projects cost a homeowner much money, they have the ability to add hundreds, even thousands of dollars in extra resale value. In addition to being worth more at sale time, some improvements offer other advantages, such as more savings and better utility bill management.
The following are home updates that will not only increase the value of your house but also help you save money:
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Changing Incandescent Bulbs to CFL and LED Lights
Incandescent bulbs are the most commonly used light bulbs in the home. However, they are less efficient than CFL and LED lights. Although you have to pay more for CFL and LED types, they use much less energy than incandescent bulbs. By replacing your traditional lighting with CFL or LEDs, you can start making your home energy-efficient compared to before.
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Installing Low-Flow Showerheads and Toilets
If you have older toilets or showerheads, it may be time to replace them. Although it is possible to buy low-flow versions of these fixtures, it is more efficient to install low-flow models. Not only will they use less water than before, but they are also better for the sewage system because their flow rate is lower.
Low flow showerheads and toilets help the home be more water-efficient as well as save you money. The less water a fixture uses, the lower your monthly water bill will be.
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Installing Window Films
Window films are thin layers that can be installed on the inside of windows. They have many benefits, including heat protection and privacy enhancement for homes with lots of natural light.
Aside from these benefits, installing window films can also reduce the amount of energy needed to cool or heat your home. These films will prevent sunlight from coming in during the summer months when you need to keep the house cooler. They also protect the home against harsh winds that try to get in through poorly insulated windows during the winter. All of this helps cut down on your electricity bill, which saves you money throughout the year.
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Installing Solar Panels
Another excellent investment is solar panels. Solar panels are good investments because they help you save on utility bill costs while also increasing the value of your home, especially if you live in sunny areas where solar panel efficiency is optimal. Depending on how efficient your existing system is, solar energy could account for 25% of your energy usually spent on electricity bills each month.
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Insulate Your Home
If your home is not as efficiently insulated as it should be, this may contribute to your heating and cooling costs being higher than they need to be. Insulation keeps the warm or cool air from escaping from your home. If you have leaks, this makes those areas colder or hotter – requiring a system that has to work harder to compensate for them. This wastes energy and money on utility bills.
That said, insulation can prevent problems by keeping conditioned air inside. Other benefits of insulating your home include noise cancellation, protection against humidity damage, preventing mold growth, and protecting the house’s structure from wear and tear.
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Upgrade Appliances
Find out if there are newer, more efficient models of appliances than what you have at home. More recent products not only use less energy, they often clean better and provide safer and more comfortable use than older models. Although some may suggest replacing all your appliances, simply upgrading the ones that you mostly use is an excellent way to start saving money on your utility bills.
When shopping for new appliances or electronics, look for the energy-star rating label. These products meet the efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and help you save money on your monthly energy bill.
With these improvements, you can start saving money right away on your monthly utility bills. These changes will not only yield immediate results, but they are also long-lasting because they are designed to be effective for many years. So what are you waiting for? Start making your home more energy-efficient today!