Looking for home improvements can be fun—until you do the math and figure out how much you’ll spend to incorporate these new features into your home. Fortunately, thanks to new technology, there are affordable home features available that can help you run your home efficiently and effectively while saving some money.
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GOBankingRates reached out to some real estate and construction experts to learn more about the home features that can save you hundreds each month.
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House and Garden
If you have some extra outdoor space in your garden or on your patio, there’s a new way to add food to your kitchen and money to your wallet: a home garden.
“While it may take some time to establish and prove itself, having a home garden can save you hundreds of dollars each month on your grocery bills,” says Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant.
“If you can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, from berries to fruit trees, tomatoes, zucchini, herbs and more, you can significantly reduce your spending on fresh produce at the supermarket,” Nally explained. “Since produce can often be very expensive, even in small quantities, being self-sufficient with your own garden can make a big difference in your food costs.”
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Solar panels
According to Andreis Bergeron, RedAwning’s vice president of sales, installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to reduce your electric bill, potentially saving homeowners $100 to $200 per month, depending on your location and energy usage.
“What makes solar panels particularly valuable is their ability to harness a free, renewable energy source – the sun,” Bergeron said.
Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders, agreed that solar panels are an investment that will pay off in the long run.
“Although the initial cost of installing a residential solar system is high, many of our customers who went solar 5 to 10 years ago now have extremely low or no electric bills each month because they generate much of their own energy,” Norman said. “The key is choosing a solar system that is the right size for your home’s needs so that it can produce enough electricity to save most of your electricity bills.”
For example, Bergeron cites a customer in California who was initially hesitant because of the initial cost, but soon realized that the cost of the modules would pay for itself within five years.
“Not only have they been able to reduce their electricity bills, but they have also benefited from government incentives and increased the value of their property, making the solar panels a standout feature,” Bergeron said.
Highly efficient HVAC systems
“Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can result in significant savings, especially in climates with extreme temperatures,” Bergeron explained. He noted that by optimizing energy use, these systems can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 50%, which translates to a monthly savings of about $50 to $150.
Bergeron gave the example of a homeowner in Arizona who said that “his summer cooling costs have dropped dramatically after installing a high-efficiency system because it maintains comfort without overtaxing energy resources.”
Smart thermostats
“Smart thermostats are highly programmable devices that learn your temperature preferences and schedules to ensure maximum efficiency,” Norman said. “We have installed smart thermostats for many homeowners who have saved about $50 to $100 per month on heating and cooling just by reducing waste.”
Automating these thermostats can save you time and money. “The thermostats sense when you’re away from home or sleeping and automatically adjust the temperature to minimize costs without compromising comfort during waking hours,” Norman said.
Water-saving fittings
“Water-efficient fixtures such as water-efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads can save homeowners a significant amount on their water bills overall – up to $70 per month,” Bergeron said.
“These features are especially important in water-stressed regions where costs are higher,” he said. “I’ve seen customers in places like Las Vegas benefit greatly from installing these fixtures. Not only did they notice an immediate reduction in their water bill, but they also saw a positive impact on the environment.”
Insulated attics
Well-insulated attics are another way to significantly reduce costs, according to Norman’s professional opinion. “Additional insulation in the attic, especially in older homes, improves the efficiency of the home’s entire HVAC system,” he explained.
Norman’s company has installed insulation for many customers, “which allows them to turn the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter without getting too hot.” This has reduced Norman’s customers’ bills by an average of $300 to $400 per month.
Energy efficient windows
In Bergeron’s experience, replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient double- or triple-pane windows can dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs by reducing the amount of heat escaping in the winter and entering in the summer.
“My company has installed high-performance windows for many homeowners, and some of them have been able to reduce their energy costs by 30 to 50 percent annually,” Norman said, noting that this could mean a savings of $200 to $500 per month for an average-sized home.
One New York homeowner Bergeron worked with reported a noticeable difference in his energy bill after switching. As an added bonus, there was increased comfort and reduced noise pollution, which Bergeron says “improved his overall living experience.”
Intelligent irrigation systems
“For homeowners with larger lawns or gardens, smart irrigation systems offer the dual benefit of reducing water usage and saving costs, with potential savings of $40 to $80 per month,” Bergeron said.
Bergeron added that these systems use weather data and soil moisture levels to water plants only when needed, avoiding overwatering.
“A customer in Florida who installed a smart irrigation system was able to save water during the rainy season and significantly reduce his monthly water bill – all while maintaining a lush, green landscape,” he said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Home Features That Will Save People Hundreds Every Month, According to Real Estate Agents
