Running a home isn’t cheap, and bills seem to be never-ending, but the good news is there are many things you can do around the home to reduce your outgoings. You can save money by doing things such as switching your mobile package or remortgaging, but making changes to your home could help too. Here are 5 home improvements that could save you money.
Double glazing
As well as reducing noise and condensation levels, double glazing can help you to save money on your heating bills. Double glazing acts as an insulator, which means your home will feel warmer and, in turn, reduce the need to put the heating on or increase your room temperature.
Double glazing does come at a price, so although you should start to reap the benefits immediately, it should be viewed as a long-term investment.
Go Solar
Having solar panels installed could save you hundreds on your electricity bills each year and, as it offsets millions of metric tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, it will do wonders for the environment too.
As well as month to month savings, depending on where you live there may be other monetary benefits too. New York, for example, offers residents using solar power a New York solar tax credit whereupon they can reduce their tax bill by a certain percentage of costs incurred.
Regardless of where you reside, it’s worthwhile finding out the potential savings solar power may be able to generate for you.
Lighting
You might be surprised at how much you could save switching to LED lightbulbs throughout your home. LED bulbs require far less electricity to power them compared to traditional incandescent, halogen, or even energy-efficient light bulbs. They also have a longer lifespan, which means that, over time, the savings can fairly add up. Whilst LEDs were quite expensive when they first came out, they now retail at around the same price as a standard bulb, making the decision even easier.
Smart thermostat
Have you ever gone out of town or to work and realize that you have left the heating on? It’s not only frustrating but wastes energy and costs you money too.
A smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s heating (and in some cases air conditioning) remotely, so regardless of where you are, you remain in control. Temperatures can be altered and heating switching on and off using a mobile phone, tablet, or in some cases, voice-controlled devices such as an Amazon Echo.
Maintenance
Probably the most obvious of home improvements that could save you money is general maintenance. If, for example, your roof is leaking or you have damp, if left unattended, it could cost you thousands.
If you see something that needs doing in your home, remedy it as soon as you can. It might be tempting to wait another year, but it’s a decision you may regret. Maintain your home and you will not only save yourself a lot of stress and grief but a heap of money too.
