How Proper Home Maintenance Can Save You Money
Maintaining your home is part of your responsibility as a homeowner. As 2024 approaches, you may wonder what maintenance or upgrades you should start. Are you worried that some may be unnecessarily expensive? Read on to see how home maintenance can save you money.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
According to Onedesk, most families spend $2,000 annually on their energy bills, with half of that going toward keeping the house cool or warm. Did you know you could reduce those energy bills by ensuring your windows and doors are properly sealed? You should also know when to replace these structures. If you still have single-paned windows, replace them with more energy-efficient double-paned ones. In addition to upgrading your windows, have the same due diligence with window treatments. After all, custom blinds, shades, and curtains go a long way in keeping your heated and cooled air inside the home.
You open and close your door throughout the day. When you close it, you want to ensure it’s properly sealed. If air is creeping in through your door even when closed, it may be time to repair or replace it. Having a properly sealed door is not only important to avoid heat loss but also for security.
Replace That Roof
Your roof is vital to your home’s overall structure. It protects your home from the elements, so it can see a lot of wear and tear over the years. The type of roofing material you have can affect its longevity and overall value. According to Home365, expect to get as much as 85% of its initial cost back upon a resale. When you invest in roofing materials such as metal, slate, or ceramic tiles, you’ll have roofing that can easily outlast your lifespan. You’ll also have sturdier roofing that can prevent leaks since there are fewer seams than in asphalt shingles. As a result, expect to save money down the road as you can avoid interior damage to your foundation or drywall. Plus, you’ll save by not having to worry about another roofing installation for several decades, if at all, in your lifetime.
Get a New HVAC System
Having a functional HVAC system helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature, as well as helps with the overall air quality. When you have regular maintenance on your AC unit, it can last up to 40% longer, according to Webinar Care. Therefore, you can save money as you won’t have to worry about replacing your AC unit before its expected 10 to 15-year lifespan comes to an end.
Maintaining your HVAC system can also save you in health care costs. After all, when its filter is changed regularly, you and your family won’t be breathing in molded or contaminated air. Such air can cause asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, upper lung infections, and other allergic reactions.
When you replace your unit with a more efficient one, you’ll start saving money monthly. AC units from the Energy Star brand can save you around 15% in energy bills. You may even get a rebate from certain companies or on your taxes when you make energy-efficient installations.
Finish Your Basement
Do you have a basement in your home? If so, it may be a good time to finish it so there are no vulnerabilities that could allow moisture to creep in or air to creep out. The basement is often one of the most humid rooms in the home, so mold can easily set in. If you have a molded basement, those mold spores can spread throughout the home and cause expensive damage to the structure and your health.
Now you have a better understanding of the type of maintenance to consider for your home. Regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades can keep your home functional, safe, and comfortable while saving you money. Get the new year off to a good start by contacting those contractors now.