If you are like most people, money-saving is extremely important. There are many ways to save money, but as a home improvement writer I like to focus on the things that can be done at home. From installing smart devices to upgrading your old fixtures. There are many ways to cut costs at home. 

So, today I wanted to talk about some home improvements which will actually save you money.  Throughout this article, you will find seven tips specifically about saving money while also improving your home.

Best of all, whether you rent, live in a condo, or live in a community with strict HOA regulations. You will find tips to improve your home and save money, with this guide!

Sound too good to be true? Well, let’s take a look…

1) Get rid of Incandescent Lights

Let’s start with replacing those old bulbs. The Department of Energy published an article which shows that using energy-efficient bulbs in your home can help you save $45 per year. Even better, LED bulbs have a better lifespan up to 25,000 hours. Compared to incandescent bulbs which only last about 1000 hours. 

The future is bright, literally. You now have the ability to purchase an app-controlled smart bulb. By placing the bulb on a schedule, it will switch on and off automatically. Most importantly, this will help reduce the cost of electricity even more!

2) Use Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat does not necessarily have to be a fancy product. You can get a reliable thermostat that can keep your house warmer in the summer or cooler in the winter while you are not around. By doing this, you can save about $180 per year on cooling and heating costs, according to EPA. 

Go the extra mile, and install a smart thermostat. With a smart meter you can control your thermostat from your phone. If you forget to turn the heat down, no worries there is an app for that! Best of all, if you are away from home, and the heat goes out. You will know, and you won’t have to fret about your pipes freezing and bursting. 

Pro-Tip: There are many home repair assistance programs for seniors which can cover the cost of upgrading to energy efficient appliances such as programable thermostats.

3) Use a Low-Flow Showerhead

Older showerheads allow between 3 to 5gpm to flow through. New showerheads have been developed which restrict the flow of water. Even going as low as 1.5 GPM. By replacing your showerhead with a newer one, you can save money on your water bill by conserving water. With this money-saving home improvement, a family consisting of four members can save close to $100 per year. There are plenty of different styles and options when it comes to purchasing a low-flow showerhead.

4) Use a Water Leak Detector

If you have ever had to deal with a burst pipe on a cold morning, you will know how expensive, and annoying repairing water damage can be! However, it is possible to avert such a disaster by using a leak detector. This gadget notifies you before a small leakage problem becomes a serious issue. 

Luckily, a few types of leak detectors are available. In both a conventional or modern “smart” device. The traditional detector uses a siren while smart alarm notifies a homeowner through a phone message. The latter is generally considered a better option despite the cost. Especially if you are the type to leave home for long periods of time.

Avoid a plumbing emergency all together by having a plumber inspect your pipes, before an issue occurs. Most of the time your plumbing will probably be just fine. But if the pipes are nearing the end of their life. Having them replaced or repaired now can save you a lot in future repair bills. 

Rest assured, if a plumbing emergency occurs, or you want a leak detector installed in Elizabeth City, NC, you can count on Dickson Plumbing!

5) Use Smart Security Devices

If you are paying a monthly fee for home security monitoring systems. There are now options that allow you to be alerted to security threats through an alert on your phone! Some of these options can be rather expensive upfront, but in the long term, they’ll actually save you money because you won’t have to pay a monthly fee.

Of course, having a professional monitoring system is also an option through some of these smart security devices. Having a security device installed may even save you money on your homeowners insurance. Be sure that you speak with your insurance provider to see if this option can help you save money. 

6) Invest in Energy-efficient Appliances

Most brands are beginning to invent more energy-efficient appliances, all specifically designed for convenience and energy-efficiency. 

Because of this, you can now replace your biggest energy hogs with more eco-friendly options.

These things include, but aren’t limited to your: 

• Refrigerator 
• Washer
• Dryer

Get this, according to Energy Star, when you change a traditional refrigerator for an energy-efficient option, you can save about $300 within the first five years. So, imagine how much you can save in the long run, when you make all of your appliances energy efficient. 

Check this out- Some electricity companies even offer incentives for you to upgrade to energy-efficient devices. 

7) Try out Window Film and Low-E Windows

If you have the money to make an investment that will save you lots in the long term, you should consider low-emissivity windows. These windows allow less heat to enter the room during summer and save more heat during the winter. According to the Department of Energy, you can save close to $330 per year by using low-E windows.

If energy-efficient windows are beyond your budget, then consider the low-E film. This alternative applies to existing windows, and is more affordable – it costs no more than $14 per square foot.

Low-E or not, simply replacing your windows will also cut down on drafts, which of course will save you 

In Conclusion

Hopefully, with these seven money-saving home improvement tips, you have learned not only how to improve your home. But also how to save some  money in the long run! With the need for money saving, making investments can be difficult. But believe me, these home improvements are worth the initial cost. The money savings of these tips may not be immediately apparent, but in the long run, you can save 1000’s over the years.

Want to read more? Check out our infographic on water containment in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.