3 Easy Home Updates Sure To Save You Money All Year

Posted on: 29 January 2016

Making small renovations and updates to your home throughout the years is an effective way to maintain a high property value overall, as well as optimize comfort for everyone who happens to be living within your household. Expensive updates such as roof replacements and room additions can be helpful, but you don't have to spend a bundle in order to benefit from a few home updates once in a while. If you're looking to give your home a newer look and feel without breaking the bank, and maybe even saving some money as time goes on, consider implementing one or more of the following three home update ideas:

Install New Draperies

New drapes will give your home an updated look and add some extra texture to your interior spaces. Draperies also happen to have the ability to reduce heat loss and gain throughout the year depending on their color and thickness, which should help to keep your energy bills low each month. In general, drapes of medium shade that are fitted with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gain during summer months by more than 30 percent when they are closed. In the winter, keep your new drapes drawn overnight to reduce heat loss within your home by up to 10 percent.

For optimal heat loss protection, drapes over windows that don't get direct sunlight during winter daylight hours should be kept drawn at all times if possible. When installing the drapes make sure that they're aligned as close to your windows as possible, allowing them to fall directly onto the window ledge or the floor. And you can further increase the insulation effect of your new drapes by installing cornices along the tops of each of them. 

For more information on the types of drapery available, companies like Budget Blinds Of Coachella Valley may be able to meet your needs.

Plant Some Deciduous Trees In The Yard

Not only will a few new deciduous trees planted in the yard improve your property's curb appeal, but they'll likely increase your overall home value and they will certainly save you some money on energy costs throughout the year. Deciduous trees are full of large leaves during summer months, which naturally protects your home from excessive heat infiltration as well as minimizes wear and tear on your HVAC system.

In the winter, you can expect the leaves on your deciduous trees to fall off so the sun can naturally heat things up and reduce your need for the use of the heating system. When planting your new trees, keep their mature size in mind and place them far enough away from your home so that their branches won't hit the roof if they break and fall off. There are a variety of gorgeous deciduous tree options to choose from – consider planting sycamores, crabapples, cherry trees, magnolia, and dogwood.

Install A Few Ceiling Fans

A great way to spruce things up indoors while providing your home with better temperature control is to install a few ceiling fans throughout. A ceiling fan requires only about 60 watts of power each hour while on high, which is significantly less than the roughly 3,500 watts of power your HVAC system uses while turned on.

By programming your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise on a high setting during summer months, you'll create continual air movement that decreases your need for the air conditioner. By programming them to turn clockwise on a low setting in the winter, you'll force the warm and cool air to stay thoroughly mixed throughout the home so the heater doesn't need to be used as much.

These update ideas shouldn't require a hefty upfront investment, yet will continue to pay for themselves through energy savings and extra comfort as the years pass.     

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Perfecting Your Home and Garden

When I bought my first home, I realized that it needed a lot of work. Instead of sinking money into my wardrobe or going out to eat, I spent a bunch of money fixing up the outside of my house and thinking about interior renovations. However, when it came time to renovate my home, I realized that it might be best to do a little research first. I started attending home and garden seminars to learn easy ways to make my space more functional and attractive. The results were incredible. Within a few months, my home looked a thousand times better. Check out this blog to find out how to perfect your home and garden.

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