Home Upgrades That Will Save You Money Long-term

Far too often, people put off home renovation projects because of the cost. You might have a lot of great plans for your home, but you’re worried about blowing your budget as you try to spruce things up. That’s understandable, especially in today’s economy.

However, when you start to look at certain home upgrades as investments, you can actually save money by tackling certain ones. That’s especially true if you live in an older home that hasn’t been updated in a while. Things like energy efficiency when it comes to appliances and HVAC systems can make a big difference in how much money you save. As a bonus, upgrading certain items can be more environmentally friendly, too.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most effective upgrades you can make to your home that might seem like investments, upfront, but will save you money in the long run.

Maintenance Saves Money

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your home and save money long-term is to make sure all of your major appliances are running effectively and efficiently. Whether you live in an older home or not, regular maintenance is essential. Something as simple as a furnace tune-up can keep the unit from breaking down throughout the year. You’ll also enjoy added benefits like:

• Increased efficiency;
• Lower utility bills;
• Reduced repair and replacement costs;
• Increased safety in your home;
• Better air quality.

Your cooling system should also be regularly maintained, along with any other major appliance that has an impact on your home. The more “in tune” these things are, the smoother they’ll run. That kind of optimization will save you money by putting less of a strain on your utilities. If you’re not yet ready to purchase new appliances or home heating and cooling systems, keeping them maintained is a great way to maximize efficiency and save money.

It’s worth it to hire a professional to look at these systems and appliances each year. Consider contacting your local HVAC company or repair team. Many places offer “membership” discounts that allow you to pay a yearly fee for maintenance and any other issues that might come up. That will keep you on track for getting the tune-ups your systems need, and can help to prevent unexpected costs if they break or need a part replaced.

Saving With Sustainability

“Going green” isn’t just a trend. As more people become aware of the effects of things like climate change and waste, sustainability efforts will continue to rise. You can do your part at home and save money while you’re at it with a few simple upgrades.

Start by switching to energy-efficient appliances throughout your home. While it might seem like an investment, the money you’ll save on utility bills in a very short time will make up for it. Your appliances will pay for themselves quickly. Looking for more upgrades that use less energy and will lower your utility costs? Try some of the following:

• Sealing doors and windows;
• Installing new insulation;
• Switching to LED bulbs;
• Using natural light whenever possible.

Don’t ignore your home exterior when you’re considering upgrades. Landscaping is stereotypically pretty expensive, especially when you hire a professional company to take care of things for you. But, you can DIY a lot of things, have a beautiful yard, and save money while doing something good for the environment. One of the best ways to get involved in sustainable landscaping is by using native plants. They’re designed to grow and flourish in your area, and you don’t have to give them a lot of extra time or attention. That means less watering and fertilizer and more savings for you.

Your daily habits can also make a difference in how much energy you use. Try taking shorter showers and unplugging devices when you aren’t using them. Having energy-efficient appliances in your home can serve as a reminder to use less energy. You can even try to “gamify” your efforts by looking at your monthly utility bill and seeing how much you can get it to drop each time by being more conscious of energy waste in the home.

If you really want to make a long-term investment, consider installing solar panels. You’ll immediately reduce your reliance on traditional energy resources and save money on your electric bill. Plus, because solar panels are becoming so popular in residential homes, you’ll boost the resale value of your property while enhancing curb appeal if you ever decide to sell.

Getting “Smart” With Your Home Upgrades

Many sustainable home upgrades coincide with smart home technology. Today, it’s estimated that over 60 million American households have at least one “smart” device. That includes things like smart thermometers, security systems, lights, and even appliances like refrigerators and ovens.

Smart home technology used to be fairly expensive, but since it’s been around for a while and the demand for it to become more accessible has increased, it’s easier than ever to get smart about your home upgrades.

Something like a smart thermostat, for example, allows you to program how warm you keep your home ahead of time. If you’re working away from home most of the day, it doesn’t need to be as warm. You’ll save money on your utility bills this way. You can also program your lights to go on and off as needed, and even control them from your phone so you never have to worry about someone leaving a light on in a bedroom. This kind of home automation makes life convenient and provides a sense of security, but it also puts your home’s energy use in the palm of your hand so you can save money by cutting back on what you’re not using.

As you can see, there are plenty of home upgrades you can enjoy now that will save you money long-term. Whether you’re trying to do better for the environment, live more comfortably as a family, or you eventually want a larger return on investment for your home, these upgrades are worthwhile, and you might be surprised by how much money you can actually save.