Although owning a home can be an outstanding achievement you make in life, it can get expensive in the long run. In fact, around 3 in 10 homeowners (30%) don’t have the funds set aside for house repairs upgrades, leaving most to spend thousands of dollars every year.
To help you avoid shedding out that much money, here are some home repairs and upgrades that can save you money over time while increasing its value.
Regular Furnace Maintenance
Annual maintenance of your furnace at the start of ‘heating season’ (May 1 to 31) keeps your unit in its best condition. That’s why it’s best to have your home’s furnace repaired every year, maintaining its optimal performance and saving you money by minimizing energy consumption. Yearly furnace ‘check-ups’ make your home more energy-efficient and warmer over time.
Change HVAC Filters Routinely
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system filters typically trap airborne allergens, giving you cleaner indoor air. However, these also need changing every few months, especially when you use the system frequently. Doing this not only improves your indoor quality air, but it can also reduce your energy bills since grimy filters force the system to operate more and use more electricity.
Make Your Home ‘Smarter’
If you’re looking to invest big and save big simultaneously, installing smart home technologies in your household is the best choice for this. Smart home investments you should consider includes:
- Smart Thermostat — This helps you save on heating and cooling costs as it automatically switches when you leave home and adjust the house temperature according to your preferences, making ‘home’ more comfortable and energy-efficient.
- Smart Lighting — This comes with motion sensors, meaning the lights remain off when no one is in a room or the house, saving you money by cutting energy usage. Most of these systems have applications that let you control lighting even when you’re away from home, helping you avoid leaving lights on and waste energy.
Set Up a Home Security System
Installing a home security system is one of the best upgrades you can make to save money. It can lower your homeowner’s insurance as much as 20% and protect your home from thieves. In fact, 83% of burglars decide to leave a house alone when they spot a security camera on the premises. When you install a home security system, you’ll be protecting your property and family and saving money over time.
Clean Gutters Regularly
Rain gutters play an essential role in every house’s protection system by ensuring rainwater from the roof doesn’t get into the home to damage walls, foundations, and surroundings. That’s why you must properly take care of your gutters by cleaning them regularly. That’s because if you don’t clean them routinely, these can get clogged and form a habitat for parasites and other pests that can invade your home or destroy your home’s foundation.
It’s best to clean your gutters two times a year, once in the spring and fall, saving you money and your home.
Taking good care of your home by keeping up with repairs and making the necessary upgrades early on can help save you money and retain your home’s value, making it a win-win situation for your house and wallet. Consider doing the tasks mentioned to hold down household costs and keeping your home comfy, safe — and profitable.
