Here are twenty improvements to your existing home which can not only save you money but improve the quality of your life while adding to the value of your home.  Many of these suggestions will offer a tax credit.

Steps One Through Ten

1 – Insulation – Adding insulation in your attic, repairing fallen batts on your attic walls and applying sealant to the door frames to your attic can help save you money for a nominal cost.   An evaluation can help identify areas in your attic that require additional insulation.

2 – Lighting Controls – Wireless lighting control systems can control lights, lamps, pumps and other electrical appliances throughout your home.  These systems can help you manage your lighting costs and provide a convenient means of controlling lights and elements throughout your home.

3 – Dimmers – It is difficult for the human eye to discern the difference between lights at 100% and 85% brightness.  By dimming your lights to 85% you can save up to 15% on your lighting bill and prolong the life your bulbs.  Dimming more saves more and offers you new opportunities to highlight your home with different lighting scenes.

4 – Weather-stripping – Over the years your exterior doors can tear away the weather-stripping.  New two-state weather-stripping and door thresholds can help seal up your doors and provide a savings on your heating and cooling costs.  Tight weather-stripping can also help keep bugs out of the home.

5 – Air Conditioning Service – You should inspect your filters every 60 days and have your systems serviced every 6 months.  Servicing should include checking your ducts for leaks, cleaning the coils and air handler and making sure all parts are working properly.  Many utility companies offer rebates and incentives for annual services.

6 – Attic Ventilation – Improving your attic ventilation will not only help keep your attic more comfortable, which can save on your cooling costs, but it can also help control moisture accumulation in your attic.

7 – Attic Tents – We can install attic tents over the pull down stairs in your home. This will not only help with the leakage of your air conditioning system but it can also help keep dust and attic dirt out of your home.

8 – Radiant Barrier – Protect your home from the summer sun by applying a radiant barrier to the underside of your roof decking.  Radiant barriers help reflect the sun’s heat which will keep your attic more comfortable and help save on your air conditioning bill.

9 – Windows – Replace your old aluminum windows with energy efficient vinyl windows.  The newest windows not only save on your heating/cooling costs, but they also have a heavier feel and are easy to clean with tilt sashes.

10 – Caulk – Caulk your windows and doors to help seal up gaps between their frames and the brick on your home.  We recommend inspecting these caulk joints every 6 months.  This will also help prevent water and insect penetration into your home.

Steps Eleven Through Twenty

11 – Water Heater Care – Flushing your water heater every 6 months will help remove sediments and allow it to perform more efficiently and help prolong its life.  Water heater blankets and repairing the insulation on the hot water heater pipes can help keep your hot water hotter longer.

12 – New Hot Water Heater – If your hot water heater is in need or replacement, look into the new energy efficient models such as the hybrid units, tankless models or solar hot water heaters.

13 – Irrigation Systems – Having your sprinkler system inspected and adjusted once a year will help save on your water bill.  Add a freeze/rain sensor or a mini weather station to your irrigation system which control your irrigation systems by adjusting the watering schedule to account for wind, temperature, and humidity.  Savings on your irrigation water can be up to 50%.

14 – Replace Your Bulbs – Replacing your existing light bulbs with either Compact Fluorescents or LED lights can save you money on your electric bill and help lower the heat generated by your lights.

15 – Ceiling Fans – Ceiling fans help create indoor breezes which make you feel cooler without lower the thermostat.  Adding ceiling fans can help lower the perceived temperature of a room by up to 10 degrees.

16 – Can Light Boxes – A Penn State University study in 1992 shows that non-insulated ceiling fixtures can be responsible for the loss of between $5 and $30 per year worth of energy.  If you have 50 un-insulated cans that can be up to $1,500 per year in lost energy costs.  By installing insulated boxes over your can lights can help dramatically lower this energy waster.

17 – Replace Your Roof – If your roof requires replacement, investigate lighter colors, which reflect heat, and a shingle with a Class IV Impact Resistant Rating. Class IV shingles can withstand damage from many hail storms and in doing so can earn you discounts on your homeowner’s insurance of up to 35%.

18 – Harvest The Rain – Attach rain water collection barrels on your gutter downspouts.  This will allow you to collect rain water to use for watering your shrubs, flowers and gardens.

19 – Monitored Smoke Detector – Many insurance companies will give you an additional discount on your homeowner’s insurance if you install a monitored smoke detection device to your alarm system.

20 – Landscaping – Strategic placement of landscape elements can help control your heating and cooling costs by shielding your home from the brutal texas sun and cold blustery winter winds

Thank You

I hope this helps remind you that small steps can save you big money on caring and owning your home.  Our remodeling division can help you with these items or give you guidance on the where to gather additional information.

If you have a question on how we can help you build a custom home, please feel free to email your questions to our offices.  Garabedian Properties is a full service building firm serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  We offer new luxury homes, premium remodels, green building/remodeling, home care services, storm/roof repairs and commercial building contracting.

Please feel free to leave your comments, drop us an email at mike@garabedianproperties.com or call our office at 817-748-2669  817-748-2669. I also encourage you to visit http://www.garabedianproperties.com to see movies on our homes, hundreds of pictures and information on how we can be of service to your family or clients.  Or become a Facebook Fan.

If your family is not quite ready for us at this time, we will be at your service when you are in need or wish to request our assistance.  If you know someone we can help, we welcome and honor your referrals. Ģ

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