Home improvements are a great way of increasing the value of your home and making it a nicer place to live, but they don’t have to be costly. These ten improvements will actually save you money over time.
#1 Smart Home Technology
While the initial cost of smart home technology can be pricey, the long-term benefits for your wallet are huge. Smart thermostats, for example, can cost around £200 upfront but can save you almost £150 in bills every year.
#2 Washing Machine Hose
Water bills can be expensive but small adjustments to your plumbing can cut costs long-term. For example, get a new washing machine hose. Each time your washing machine stops, it sends a shock through the pipes that weakens them over time. By upgrading the hose, you’ll save on water bills and also avoid the risk of flooding from plumbing problems.
#3 Low Flow Shower Head
Low flow shower heads are cheap to buy and quick to install, but they conserve a lot of water and can save you anywhere between 35 and 60% on your water bills.
#4 Home Security
A home security system might not be top of your list when it comes to home upgrades, but it can lower your home insurance by as much as 20% and also provides added peace of mind that your home is safe at all times.
You can also look at the locks on your doors, another relatively easy DIY project. Replace your door locks to thwart malicious previous tenants who kept a set of keys or even people you’ve let borrow a key (you never know). Companies like Fast Keys are able to provide products that can reinforce your home, so you know exactly who has a copy of a key to your new lock.
#5 Secondary Glazing
Double glazing can be a big investment up front, but a cheaper DIY alternative is to invest in secondary glazing panels. These keep the warmth in during the winter while being removable for the summer and can help lower your heating bills.
#6 Air Filters
Changing out the air filters of your HVAC unit will provide you with cleaner air, which is better for your health, but it will also lower your utility bills as the unit won’t have to work so hard so it will use less energy. And now you are able to get home air filters delivered right to your door when you need them.
#7 Caulk the Bathtub and Shower
A tube of caulk can cost just a few pounds and is easy to apply but replacing mould-infested bathrooms tiles can cost you thousands. By re-caulking the bathroom, you’ll avoid water reaching the walls and floors and minimize the risk of wood rot from developing.
#8 Lightbulbs
Energy certified bulbs don’t hum or buzz like old fluorescent bulbs do, plus they’re better for the environment. Make sure to replace the lights you use most with energy-efficient bulbs to bring your energy bills down.
#9 Boiler Wraps
Studies suggest that you’ll save as much as 16% in water heating costs by wrapping the boiler or hot water heater in an insulating blanket. They’re inexpensive and pre-cut to size, so all you have to do is install it and reap the rewards.
#10 Loft Insulation
Heat rises and if your loft space isn’t insulated, you’ll be losing valuable heat and paying higher energy bills to warm your home. Lower your utility bills and enjoy increased comfort by ensuring that your loft has plenty of insulation.
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