Your home is probably the most expensive thing you will ever own, which makes protecting that investment critically important for homeowners. The ongoing cost of owning a home only continues to climb over the years, and it’s easy for homeowners to become frustrated when attempting to maintain their home, while also findings ways to help increase home efficiency and lower expenses.
Fortunately, there are a number of summer home improvements projects that can help protect the your home, increase its value, and lower utility costs. To get you kick-started in the right direction, here are a few projects every homeowner should consider adding to their summer to-do list.
Update & Maintain Your HVAC Systems
Most homeowners never consider calling a professional to take a look at their heating, cooling, or ventilation system until a problem arises. However, you can get ahead of any potential problems by having an HVAC service technician inspect your system as least once a year. Having your vents cleaned, filters examined, and the efficiency of your system checked yearly can help you avoid future problems that could cost you significantly more out of pocket to fix should something go wrong.
If your home features a heating or air conditioning unit that is 10 or 20 years old, you can feel pretty confident that it doesn’t run nearly as efficiently when compared to a newer model. If you’re tired of seeing the cost of heating and cooling your home go up each year, you may want to consider investing in a new HVAC system to save money over the long run.
Maintain & Inspect Your Roof
Regardless of where in the country you live, the roof of your home takes quite the beating each passing season. Whether from freezing winters, brutally hot summers, or extended periods of rain and drizzle, your roof can develop a number of problems due to the elements, which is why you need to inspect your roof now that the weather has warmed and winter is still months away.
Look for any missing or damaged shingles, flashing, and any other signs of wear and tear. While you’re up there, take the time to clear your gutters and roof of any debris. Be sure not to dawdle on any necessary repairs, as winter will arrive before you know it.
Update Your Windows
The right set of energy efficient windows can save you hundreds of dollars a year in heating and cooling costs. For the biggest impact on your utility bill, consider purchasing double or triple pane windows, even if they usually carry a higher initial cost. Before you make any final decisions on what windows to purchase, always take time to look at the manufacturer’s warranty, any guarantees offered by the manufacturer, and the reputation of the contractor you hire to perform the installation.
Examine Your Home for Drafts
In addition to your windows, a draft can enter your home through a variety of places. Incorrectly hung doors, areas where installation has become worn, cracks in the foundation, and other concerns can all contribute to a bothersome draft that will lower your home’s energy efficiency and raise utility costs. Cracks that allow drafts also enable water and insects to breach your home, and help to lower air quality, which can become problematic for young or elderly residents and those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
Timothy Lemke is a freelance writer. To read more of his work, visit the website of API/AMS the precision sheet metal machining Portland shot.
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