The average homeowner spends about one percent of their home’s value on routine maintenance and upkeep throughout the year. The larger your home is, the more those repairs and home maintenance tasks will cost.
If you’re like most homeowners, you know that saving money is one of the best things you can do both for your budget and your bottom line. But the last thing you want to do is neglect those home repairs just to save a few bucks. Luckily, you don’t have to.
Here are a few great home maintenance tasks that will save you money as soon as you take care of them.
1. Watch for and Fix Drafts
Did you know that your windows are responsible for as much as 25 percent of your home’s heat loss each year? The biggest reason for this energy loss isn’t the glass itself—it’s the seal between the walls of your home and the windows.
When there are leaks and drafts between the window frame and the walls of your home, cold air can slip inside quickly.
The best thing you can do is watch for drafts throughout the year and fix them as soon as you notice a problem. Pay attention to the way air moves around each window.
Walk around your home and inspect each window on your property. If you feel a breeze indoors when it’s windy outside, make a note of the location of the draft. Then, redo the seal around the drafty window with caulking.
If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, call your window repair company and let them take care of the problem.
2. Learn About Your Home’s HVAC System
What does your HVAC systems condenser unit actually do? How can you tell if it’s time to replace the filters throughout your home? These are just a few of the most common questions you’ll encounter when learning about your home’s HVAC system. But they’re also essential if you want to keep your system in good condition.
The better you understand your home’s heating and cooling system, the easier it will be for you to spot potential issues quickly.
Take the time to learn the ins and outs of your system so you can stay on top of routine maintenance tasks with ease. Your HVAC contractor should be able to walk you through the most common tasks and can explain everything you need to know about your system.
Then, get in the habit of inspecting your system every three months. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or see signs of damage, call your repair technician. The sooner they catch minor damage, the less likely it is to cause more expensive problems in the future.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Even if your home’s HVAC system is the most energy-efficient model on the market, it will continue to use electricity anytime it turns on. The older and less accurate your thermostat is, the more your system will have to run to keep your property comfortable.
Instead of dealing with high energy bills, upgrade your thermostat. Install a programmable model whenever possible.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set a different temperature when you’re home and when you’re away. This will lower the number of times that your system turns on throughout the day so you can free up cash in your home budget each month.
Keep in mind that it’s best to hire a professional and let them install the thermostat for you. This way, you’ll preserve the manufacturer’s warranty and will know that the unit works properly from the beginning.
4. Inspect Your Plumbing for Leaks
Even the most efficient plumbing fixtures can end up wasting water if they develop leaks or drips. Get in the habit of inspecting each fixture in your house every week or two.
If you notice that your faucets are dripping, inspect the washers and seals in each part of the faucet. If they look damaged, cracked, or worn, replace them. If you notice that your toilet keeps running, replace the toilet fill valve as soon as you can.
Fixing these small issues as soon as you discover them can save you hundreds of dollars on your water bill over the course of the year. Even better, it will make your home more environmentally friendly.
5. Upgrade Burned Out Light Bulbs
Every homeowner will eventually have to replace the light bulbs in their fixtures. But rather than replacing them with standard incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs, upgrade them.
Switch to LED bulbs as your old ones start to burn out. These bulbs use a fraction of the energy that other types require. Over the course of the year, you’ll end up spending less on your electric bill even if you turn the lights on more often.
Even better, LED bulbs last longer than other options. This means you’ll pay less for replacements and won’t have to worry about climbing ladders just to replace old bulbs.
6. Hire Pros for Home Maintenance Tasks You Can’t Handle
Though it’s tempting to handle all home repairs on your own, it’s not always the best idea. Before you make a decision, think about whether you’re comfortable and confident performing the kinds of DIY repairs your home needs.
If you think there’s even a chance that you’ll do damage to your home, call a professional. They’ll be able to take care of your regular preventative maintenance tasks without damaging your property.
Save Money With These Great Maintenance Tips
If you’re trying to stay on top of home maintenance projects while also finding ways to save money each month, this guide should help. Take care of these easy tasks as soon as you notice any issues on your property.
The sooner you take care of those basic repairs, the easier it will be to save money in the long run.
Looking for more tips and tricks to help you become the ultimate DIY home upkeep expert? Check out our latest posts!
