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The dawn of a new year (and new decade) is a time to consider your goals. In 2020, homeowners can set a goal of slashing their energy bills and making their home more comfortable. By making the following resolutions, you can improve your home and save money in the process.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
If you want your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to perform its best, you need to get an annual inspection. An HVAC technician can help lubricate moving parts, test safety controls, and check fluid levels. By performing preventative maintenance, you can prevent major repairs.
Replace Your Batteries
Unfortunately, many homeowners forget that they have smoke detectors. If you have not changed the batteries since you bought your home, it is time to do so. Replace your carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries now. Also, you should replace your smoke detectors every ten years. Carbon monoxide detectors must be replaced every three to five years.
Get Surge Protection
Are your appliances protected from a power surge? If you lack primary and secondary surge protectors, you need to update your electrical systems. You can choose to install whole-house or outlet-based protection from sudden electrical surges.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
At some point, you will need to replace your HVAC system. Typically, air conditioners have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Furnaces will generally need a replacement after 15 to 20 years. By replacing your HVAC system, you can get an energy-efficient model that lowers your power bill. Plus, a functioning system will make your home more comfortable.
Invest in LED Lights
LED lights use a minimum of 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 25 times longer. By swapping out your light bulbs, you can reduce your energy bill and help the environment. Plus, you will not have to think about replacing your bulbs for years or decades.
Save Money for Home Improvement
Sooner or later, your home will need major repairs. From pumping septic tanks to replacing your dishwasher, there are a number of projects you have to budget for. Rather than put the repairs on your credit card, you can save money in the present by creating an emergency fund. A good rule of thumb is to save enough to cover three to six months of your living expenses. This will more than cover appliance breakdowns.
Seal Ducts and Gaps
For your HVAC system to work properly, you need to seal your ductwork completely. You also need to seal up any gaps or cracks in your walls, attics, basements, and floors. Windows are a major source of leaks, so seal around the windows with caulk as well. If your windows are not insulated properly, you may also want to consider upgrading to double-pane windows. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates homeowners can save as much as $465 a year after replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows.
Improve Your Ventilation
If your home is adequately sealed, you are already ahead of most homeowners. Now, you have to address a different problem. Since your home is sealed up, the same air gets recirculated through your ventilation system. With energy-recovery ventilators, you can pull in fresh air to improve your home's indoor air quality. You can also consider investing in air purifiers if you want to enjoy cleaner, purer air.
Insulate Your Attic and Foundation
An estimated 9 out of 10 homes are not properly insulated. This is an issue because the insulation is the thing that keeps heat inside your home during the winter. If your home lacks proper insulation, you could be wasting money on your energy bill. This year, you should take some time to insulate your attic and foundation. In addition to reducing your heating costs during the winter, this step will help you lower your summertime cooling costs as well.
For all of your electrical needs, contact Rawhide Electrical Services at (360) 382-1180.