Investing in Home Maintenance Projects Now Can Save You Money in the Long Run
Investing in a few home maintenance projects now could help reduce your costs when the cold weather hits. Not only can you trim your heating expenses, but you can also avoid unexpected emergency repairs later.
“There are a lot of things you can do for free,” says Ethan O’Donnell, deputy editor of FamilyHandyman.com, a website about home improvement projects.
Free and Low-Cost Solutions
That includes relatively simple steps like clearing the gutters and cleaning air filters in the HVAC system.
Cost-Effective Steps to Take Before the Temperature Drops
Here are the most cost-effective steps experts suggest you take before the temperature drops:
1. Check for Heat Loss
Start by walking around your home close to windows and doors with a candle, suggests Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.
“If the flame flickers, add some weather stripping,” she says.
Keeping heat in by adding insulation and sealing up any drafts can be far less expensive than cranking up the thermostat, O’Donnell says.
“Focus on the windows, doors and attic. If you have drafts, put Draft Busters on the door and insulate,” he suggests.
2. Improve the Efficiency of Heating Systems
Hicks suggests getting your HVAC system professionally serviced once a year to help prolong its lifespan and ensure it’s running efficiently. Angi reports that the average cost of getting an HVAC system checked is $250.
Cleaning or changing the filters on HVAC systems also helps boost its efficiency, says Paul Hope, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports.
If your system needs to be replaced soon, Hope recommends researching tax credits on the federal and state level before making your purchase.
3. Keep Water Out
Ice and snow can pose additional challenges in the winter, which is why O’Donnell recommends clearing your gutters before it snows. Otherwise, ice can get stuck in gutters or under shingles and refreeze, causing leaks.
According to Angi, most gutter cleanings cost between $119 to $234. That’s far less than the cost of repair after a major leak, Hope says.
4. Consider Solar Power for Decor
With many homeowners embracing holiday lights and outside decor, it can be worthwhile to explore energy-efficient strategies.
Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter, a digital energy comparison platform, suggests using timers to ensure lights and inflatables are only “on” from dusk to bedtime, for example.
He’s also turned to solar-powered holiday inflatables to further reduce energy consumption.
5. Set Money Aside for Unexpected Costs
Unexpected expenses can still pop up, even when you prepare. That can make it a good idea to set aside emergency funds for winter home repairs, as well as extra cash to help you get through an extended power outage.
“People associate power outages with hurricane season, but most are in the winter. Especially in parts of the country with older infrastructure, it’s not uncommon for there to be sustained power outages,” Hope says.
Conclusion
By investing in a few home maintenance projects now, you can save money in the long run and avoid unexpected emergency repairs later. From clearing gutters to improving the efficiency of your heating system, these cost-effective steps can help you prepare for the cold weather ahead.
FAQs
Q: What are some free and low-cost solutions for winterizing my home?
A: Clearing gutters, cleaning air filters in the HVAC system, and sealing up any drafts are all relatively simple and inexpensive steps you can take.
Q: How much does it cost to get my HVAC system checked?
A: According to Angi, the average cost of getting an HVAC system checked is $250.
Q: What are some energy-efficient strategies for holiday decorations?
A: Using timers to ensure lights and inflatables are only “on” from dusk to bedtime, and turning to solar-powered holiday inflatables are both energy-efficient strategies you can try.
Q: Why is it important to set aside emergency funds for winter home repairs?
A: Unexpected expenses can still pop up, even when you prepare. Setting aside emergency funds can help you get through an extended power outage or other unexpected home repairs.
