While home renovations are a great way to improve the look of your home, increase its value and maybe even save you money, you won't always have the budget for big projects. The good news is you can still work toward improving your home and saving yourself money by focusing on smaller projects that have a big impact.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Are you constantly adjusting the temperature in your home to make sure you aren't using too much heat or air? This is not only an annoying time waster, but it's also increasing your heating and cooling bill. Switch to a programmable thermostat instead.
Installing a programmable thermostat is an investment that easily pays for itself. Once you install it, be sure to program it to keep you comfortable when you're home and be more conservative on heating and cooling when you're away.
Repair Broken Windows
If you have windows in your home that have broken glass, even if it's not on the first interior pane, you should have those windows repaired or fix them yourself. The broken glass allows heat or cool air to enter your home, which will only increase your energy bills. Remember to be careful when working with glass and take the time to clean it up properly.
Stop Those Leaks
Chances are, you have at least one plumbing fixture in your home that is leaking. Whether it's a running toilet or a leaky kitchen faucet, the fixture is wasting water and dropping your money right down the drain.
Check all your fixtures once a month to make sure they aren't dripping or constantly running and wasting money. It's a quick check and fix in most cases, and it's well worth the time and effort.
Renew Old Caulk
If you have an older home, the caulking in your kitchen and bathroom has probably come loose and started to chip away. While this is unsightly, most people don't think it's a problem.
Unfortunately, without the caulk there to protect the wall, you are opening it up to mold and moisture that could lead to expensive repairs. One tube of caulk and one afternoon will prevent problems and save you hassle and expense down the road.
Regularly Replace Air Filters
Take the time to replace your air filters regularly. Not only will it help your family breathe cleaner air, but it will also make your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently and save you money.
You should change your filters about every three months, so just put a reminder where you'll see it and have new filters that fit your system on hand. That way, replacing them throughout the year won't be such a hassle.
These are just five simple repairs you can do to improve the condition of your home and save money on your energy bills for months to come. Most of the repairs cost very little money and don't require any special skillset, so you can do them yourself in one weekend to rack up the savings all year.
Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Are you constantly adjusting the temperature in your home to make sure you aren't using too much heat or air? This is not only an annoying time waster, but it's also increasing your heating and cooling bill. Switch to a programmable thermostat instead.
Installing a programmable thermostat is an investment that easily pays for itself. Once you install it, be sure to program it to keep you comfortable when you're home and be more conservative on heating and cooling when you're away.
Repair Broken Windows
If you have windows in your home that have broken glass, even if it's not on the first interior pane, you should have those windows repaired or fix them yourself. The broken glass allows heat or cool air to enter your home, which will only increase your energy bills. Remember to be careful when working with glass and take the time to clean it up properly.
Stop Those Leaks
Chances are, you have at least one plumbing fixture in your home that is leaking. Whether it's a running toilet or a leaky kitchen faucet, the fixture is wasting water and dropping your money right down the drain.
Check all your fixtures once a month to make sure they aren't dripping or constantly running and wasting money. It's a quick check and fix in most cases, and it's well worth the time and effort.
Renew Old Caulk
If you have an older home, the caulking in your kitchen and bathroom has probably come loose and started to chip away. While this is unsightly, most people don't think it's a problem.
Unfortunately, without the caulk there to protect the wall, you are opening it up to mold and moisture that could lead to expensive repairs. One tube of caulk and one afternoon will prevent problems and save you hassle and expense down the road.
Regularly Replace Air Filters
Take the time to replace your air filters regularly. Not only will it help your family breathe cleaner air, but it will also make your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently and save you money.
You should change your filters about every three months, so just put a reminder where you'll see it and have new filters that fit your system on hand. That way, replacing them throughout the year won't be such a hassle.
These are just five simple repairs you can do to improve the condition of your home and save money on your energy bills for months to come. Most of the repairs cost very little money and don't require any special skillset, so you can do them yourself in one weekend to rack up the savings all year.
Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington