In the home improvement industry, it’s a given that you have to spend some money to save more on your home heating and cooling bills. There are plenty of home improvement ideas for those looking to do just that, from installing solar panels or new windows to sealing up cracks around doors and windows.
You might be wondering why these improvements are worth the investment when they might not even lower your home energy use as much as other more expensive upgrades like insulation or replacing appliances. The answer is simple: any savings we can get with home repairs is essential. Combining multiple small changes allows us to see considerable savings over time due to reduced airflow and less home heating and cooling costs.
These home improvements should be on your to-do list if you care about being environmentally conscious as well as saving a little money. Here are a few home improvements that can help improve your home for both sustainability and affordability:
1. Replace Your Windows
Replacing old windows is one of the home improvement projects that will save you money on home heating and cooling bills and improve home security and curb appeal. Newer windows can be more efficient than older ones, and if your home isn’t as energy-hungry as it used to be, then there’s no need to spend a massive chunk of change on new windows.
Whether you choose to go with vinyl or wood frames, don’t forget to seal them up nicely around the edges. This way, they’ll not only look great but do an even better home of keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. If you want glass for your new windows, it’s better to hire a professional specializing in glass window installation.
2. Caulk Around Windows and Doors
Caulking around windows and doors is a home improvement project that’s essential for anyone who cares about reducing home energy costs as well as home security. Caulking not only seals cracks but also prevents air leakage, making it easier to keep your home heating or cooling system from having to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures inside. This home improvement is inexpensive, too, since you can pick up tubes of caulk at most hardware stores on sale for $1 to $3 per tube. For best results, choose a caulk with an Energy Star label. These products are specially designed to prevent air leaks and save you money on home energy costs.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to save home heating and cooling costs, and most people can install it in just a few hours. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, so you can have your home cooled or heated down when no one is home or when everyone is asleep. This home improvement project can save you up to 30% on your home energy bills, so it’s definitely worth the investment.
4. Add Solar Panels
Adding solar panels to your home might seem like a huge investment, but it will pay for itself in home heating and cooling savings. Solar panels will increase home value as well, so your home improvement project might even be an excellent investment if you ever decide to sell. Solar panels can get expensive to install, but they are an easy home improvement project that won’t take long to complete. And once you have them installed, you can use them all year round since photovoltaic solar panels also generate electricity.
5. Install New Insulation
Installing new home insulation is a home improvement that saves money on home heating and cooling costs while reducing home energy use overall. When it comes time to choose which kind of insulation you’d like installed in your home, remember that not all home insulation is created equal. For example, cellulose home insulation is made from recycled newspaper that traps home heat well to keep your home heating or cooling system from having to work as hard. If you’d prefer a spray-in option, then be sure to pick up low-expansion foam which can reduce home heat loss by 50%.
These home improvements are not only good for the environment, but they also save homeowners money in the long term. Many home improvement projects are easy to complete and do not require any specialized skills other than what comes with installing something simple. These home improvement tips should be more than enough advice for any homeowner looking to improve their home while minimizing their home’s impact on the environment.
