We all know the same old New Year’s resolutions we make year after year, eat healthier, exercise more, save more money. This year, take a fresh look at your resolutions by focusing more on your home.
Here are three home improvement goals for this year:
Shrink Your Energy Bills
This one not only can update your home, but also save you money! Even small changes can help improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Use this energy efficiency checklist can get you started:
1. Change out all of your incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs. The U.S. Department of Energy says changing five of your incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR bulbs can save you up to $75 a year.
2. Unplug devices when not in use. According to EPA estimates, idle gadgets waste more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
3. Make sure you’re not losing cool air or heat through cracks. Check the weather-stripping and sealant around your windows and doors. The Department of Energy estimates a 5 to 10 percent savings on energy bills by replacing weather-stripping that’s degraded.
4. Give your furnace and AC unit a tune-up. According to This Old House, giving your furnace a tune-up could save you up to 10% on your energy bill.
5. Get a programmable thermostat. ENERGY STAR says a programmable thermostat can save households $180 per year in heating and cooling costs.
6. Invest in energy efficient windows. Custom replacement windows and doors form a tight seal around frames to ensure inside air doesn’t escape. Also, windows and doors endorsed by Energy Star and the National Fenestration Rating Council are certified to minimize heat transfer by utilizing thermal insulation.
Organize Your Home and Cut Clutter
Feel like your house is filled to the brim? Start the year off by creating more storage space by donating or throwing out unused stuff and reorganizing the stuff you’re keeping. Once you start clearing stuff out, you’ll probably realize you have more room than you thought.
From there, look for areas of your home that aren’t being put to use, such as under the stairs, in hallways, and even on the back of doors to discover new storage potential.
Pick One Home Improvement Project to Finish
If you’re a homeowner, there are likely a few home improvement projects you’ve been waiting to start on. Realtor.com suggests getting started by narrowing down the list of projects you want to accomplish.
Starting with just one room or one project can make it easier to visualize and focus on getting it done. Set a date for when you want your project completed and work toward that date. Make sure you give yourself extra time to research and plan so you can get the best deals possible.
Cheers to 2018 and to making all your home improvement goals come to fruition!
FAS Windows & Doors has an all-star team of industry experts available to answer all of your questions regarding energy efficient windows. Visit us in our Orlando and Tampa showrooms or schedule an in-home, no obligation consultation.
FASWD 1/4/2018