Small Home Improvement Tips
Save Big with These Small Home Improvement Tips
Home improvements almost always increase the value of your home. But you don't necessarily have to spend a lot to get results that will save you big money in the long run.
U.S. News personal finance experts suggest eight budget-friendly but energy efficient fixes guaranteed to be worth more than what they cost:
Low-flow fixtures – Easily installed low-flow showerheads which cost as little as $20 at most home improvement stores and other low-flow fixtures can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent and save you up to $145 annually according to Energy Star estimates.
Programmable thermostats – Used properly Energy Star reports these energy-saving devices are more accurate and can save users up to $150 per year
Weather stripping – Air escaping from under your doors can account for as much as 30 to 40 percent loss of heat and cooling. Up your comfort and save money with weather stripping materials that start at as little as $5.
Ceiling fans – The average ceiling fan at about $50 in cost can help keep your home more comfortable while reducing your energy bill by about $15 per year.
Insulation – Adding insulation at about $15 per roll can reduce energy costs by up to 20 percent experts say while keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs – The odd-looking bulbs cost a little more initially than standard bulbs. But they last up to 10 times longer and will save you approximately $6 per year.
Tankless water heaters – Tankless options cost a bit more but will allow users to cut 20 percent off their water bills. They will also last up to 10 years longer than traditional water heaters and will never run out of hot water. Bonus: According to Energy Star you can get a federal tax rebate if you buy one.
U.S. News personal finance experts suggest eight budget-friendly but energy efficient fixes guaranteed to be worth more than what they cost:
Low-flow fixtures – Easily installed low-flow showerheads which cost as little as $20 at most home improvement stores and other low-flow fixtures can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent and save you up to $145 annually according to Energy Star estimates.
Programmable thermostats – Used properly Energy Star reports these energy-saving devices are more accurate and can save users up to $150 per year
Weather stripping – Air escaping from under your doors can account for as much as 30 to 40 percent loss of heat and cooling. Up your comfort and save money with weather stripping materials that start at as little as $5.
Ceiling fans – The average ceiling fan at about $50 in cost can help keep your home more comfortable while reducing your energy bill by about $15 per year.
Insulation – Adding insulation at about $15 per roll can reduce energy costs by up to 20 percent experts say while keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs – The odd-looking bulbs cost a little more initially than standard bulbs. But they last up to 10 times longer and will save you approximately $6 per year.
Tankless water heaters – Tankless options cost a bit more but will allow users to cut 20 percent off their water bills. They will also last up to 10 years longer than traditional water heaters and will never run out of hot water. Bonus: According to Energy Star you can get a federal tax rebate if you buy one.
