Home Improvement Savings in Howard County
Owning a home doesn’t need to break your budget. Most people understand that owning a home is expensive. Mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, and upkeep can really put a dent in your monthly budget. You don’t need to be a home improvement expert to save money if you’re aware of a few energy-saving tips.
Automate Your Thermostat
At the very least, write yourself a note as a reminder to change the thermostat before you leave. Many home security systems offer this feature at little to no cost. Keep an eye out for rebates in the mail. Some energy companies offer online and traditional mail-in rebates for automatic thermostats. The company that provides your utilities will also have information about automatic or remote thermostats. A general guideline is to set your thermostat at 78ºF when you’re home and 85ºF when you leave the house. If your utility company doesn’t offer any discounts, you can also install an automatic thermostat manually.
What this means for you is the following:
- Savings per year: $180
- Cost: $250
- Time: 15 minutes
Condition Your Air Conditioner
We all know that wearing a mask over your nose and mouth makes it more difficult to breathe. Many AC units are surrounded by bushes that can restrict the airflow needed to help the systems work optimally. Checking around your AC’s outdoor unit only takes a few minutes.
Take a look at the following:
- Allow at least 1′ of clearance all around the units.
- Nothing should be touching your unit.
- Remove any leaves and dirt from near the unit.
- Remove any other obstructions.
- Check for leaves or mud in your HVAC system.
- Having your air conditioner professionally serviced will save you money in the long run.
What this takes includes:
- Savings per year: $30
- Cost: Free
- Time: 20 minutes
Is Your Siding Doings Its Job?
Siding covers and protects your home. Homeowners in Howard County have realized the cost-cutting benefits of having new siding installed. The appearance of a building’s siding offers insight into the internal state of the building. A musty odor in the interior of a house or apartment could be the result of cheap, old, or poorly installed siding. The most cost-effective strategy is to fix this issue before it starts. New siding can solve an array of household problems, but when it isn’t installed properly, moisture entering from the outside will wreak havoc on the interior of your home. Old or threadbare siding will also allow your heat and air conditioning to leak out of your home.
Having the best siding means the following:
- Savings per year: $210-$360 per year
- Cost: Between $4 and $20 per square foot installed
- Time: One week
Roof Repair
The best roof installers in Howard County will make sure your roof lasts around 20 years, but every roof requires maintenance in order to do its job. Professional roof installation is the best way to guarantee that you get the best out of your roof for years to come. If you are interested in getting a roof replacement, it’s important to find a company with experience and an excellent reputation. The life of your roof can vary depending on the weather, past maintenance, and other factors. There are many signs that a roof needs to be replaced. Most warning signs are visible to the naked eye if you know what to look for. If your shingles are worn, disintegrating, or curling, your need to address the problem immediately or it’s going to get worse.
You will definitely want to pay attention to valleys in your roof. Valleys are architectural dips in the roof where water often collects. Leaks often start in these valleys and wreak havoc on the interior of your home.
This only takes the following:
- Savings: $250-$400 per year
- Cost: $4,000-$25,000
- Time: One week
Responsible homeowners do whatever they can to keep their energy costs down. If you are hiring a contractor, do your research or contact EC Roofing & Home Services. Call 410-455-9880 for home improvement experts you can trust.