6 Easy Home Improvements That Save Money

Here in Jacksonville our energy and water costs are fairly low compared to other parts of the country, but they could be better. We are just about in the middle of the pack, but no one likes wasting money. If you do some of these things you could reduce waste and save quite a bit of money.

Water: These tips combined could help reduce water consumption by around half.

1. Throw out the tank

• If it is getting close to time to replace your water heater (the average life span is about 10-15 years), consider upgrading to a tankless heater. These units can save you as much as 20% on your water bill. You’ll also save on electricity by heating only the water you are using, rather than heating water all day. Bonus: you won’t run out of hot water in the middle of a shower.

2. Fix leaks

• Water leaks account for an average of 13.7% of total household water use. Leaky pipes do more than just increase your water bill, they also can cause expensive repairs if left untreated. Experts suggest inspecting faucets and pipes for wear and tear every 6 months and if you notice a leak have it fixed immediately.

3. Lower your flow

• Low flow showerheads and faucets use up to 50% less water than their traditional counterparts. As these items account for over 32% of total water use, this can mean a major savings throughout the year.

Energy: More than half of all household energy used is heating and cooling.

1. Seal up drafts

• If you have trouble keeping your home cool most of the year or warm during those one or two chilly weeks, check your window and door seals. Poorly sealed windows and door account for as much as 40% of heating or cooling loss. Adding or replacing weather stripping is an easy cost-effective way to help solve this problem.

2. Insulate

• You could save as much as 20% of your heating and cooling costs by having effective insulation. It also helps keep things more comfortable. Insulation can shift or become ineffective over the years. You should have yours inspected periodically to ensure your home is as efficient as it can be.

3. Automate

• In a previous #ProTipTuesday (http://www.jacksonvillehomes365.com/gift-ideas-for-homeowners/) we talked about cool new tech that allows you to manage your home’s temperature automatically. Programmable thermostats are a great feature, but due to their ability to be programmed or even learn your behavior they can help you save a bunch of money too. Up to $150 a year! Imagine if all of your cool new tech toys paid for themselves.

Some of these are easier or cheaper than others. Any of them will benefit you, just decide how which ones you want to do. If you are unsure where to start, let us know we have a great network of professionals.