I have been researching ways to improve the overall value and energy efficiency of my home. I have found several sites that provide some great resources on how to do simple things like updating your air conditioning to reducing your homes carbon footprint.You can provide a detailed overview of your home through a simple step by step process and then see your energy report based on the total consumption. After completing these simple steps I was shocked at just how much energy and overall money we spend a year. Based on our energy consumption I have some work to do. Based on the average in our area we were almost double the amount spent. The site helps provide steps to reduce energy based on your input and then provides some additional energy savings tips such as using ceiling fans more to help cool your home. Here were a few of the energy saving tips that are simple to do and cost little to implement and will give the biggest payback:
These are just a few of the tips that you can do right now to saving money and helping to reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint on the environment. Take the couple of minutes to visit Microsoft Hohm and see first hand how you can start saving money on your energy costs. I was impressed with this free service because not only is it free but they help to provide a check list of items that are recommended so that you can use this as a reminder to help with those Spring projects around the home and focus on ways to help improve the world we live in. You can look to air conditioning repair Phoenix AZ to help find local experts in repairing your AZ unit or providing cost saving tips for your home. They can even help determine if your air conditioning unit is operating efficiently or costing you more money.
Making home improvements is a great idea for increasing the value of your home and making your home a more pleasant place, but it can also be a disaster if done wrong. Having to fix your home improvements with further improvements can be avoided with a little thought and effort. Use the below tips to practice the right frame of mind to make sure all your home improvements are successful.
Another area to improve the value of your home, remodeling a bathroom can be a great step to take. Simple bathroom remodeling steps can include painting, changing out fixtures and installing new tiles. More elaborate efforts can include replacing bathtubs, toilets and sinks. Whatever route you choose, you’re sure to see an increased home value when you update your bathroom.
Many home improvement stores offer classes and training sessions on different areas of home remodeling. You can sign up for these classes, often for free, and get great advice and tips on things like painting, simple plumbing, changing light fixtures, gardening and home decorating. It can give you not only the skills to do the job, but also ideas for your next project.
Sunrooms are a great addition to any home and they add both value and activity. Enjoy relaxation at its best and enhance the aesthetics of your home by choosing to build a sunroom. Let the sun shine through! A sunroom provides energy for your home and it is definitely a great home remodeling project.
Be sure to figure out your potential cost versus return in any investment you make to improve your home. Projects that will show a great return are the wisest to do. It is well known that all home improvement projects are not created equal. Do your homework; check the real estate market to see which home improvement projects are in high demand and contribute the most to a home’s value.
When planning a home renovation, be prepared for changes in the schedule. Renovations don’t always go exactly according to plan. There can be delays in receiving the materials, in getting building permits or in workers coming in to do the work. If you are prepared to be flexible, the renovation project will go much more smoothly.
Rather than buying a new home, think about making renovations to your current home if you want to make changes. Home renovations give you the freedom to mold your home into exactly what you want. It is usually a lot less stressful and expensive to renovate the home you have, rather than moving to a new home.
When selecting home renovations, consider the savings you will see in the future. For example, a new fridge may save you significantly on electricity bills, and new insulation in the attic could help reduce heating and cooling costs. While these renovations may seem expensive, future savings should always be considered during the planning stage of a home renovation.
When partaking in a large home renovation project, you should aim to have a clear vision of what you want. If the contractor feels like he or she can depend on the plans, things are likely to go much smoother. However, if the contractor does not feel confident in the plans, he or she may be afraid to do anything.
The above smart tips will get you looking at home improvements like a professional, so your projects will all sail straight for success instead of taking a more expensive, roundabout way to getting where you ultimately want to be. With the right attitude and mental preparation, you can transform your home into a dream home.
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- Lower your thermostat (should have a programmable thermostat) by just a few degrees when you are not at home (approx savings $154/yr)
- Lower the temperature on you water heater (approx savings $135/yr)
- Replace your inside and outside incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient LED bulbs (approx savings $83/yr)
- Use the sleep or hibernate mode for your PC/Laptops when not in use ( approx savings $45/yr)
