10 Mar Homeowner Tips: Don’t Make These Ten Costly Mistakes

Homes are not inexpensive to maintain, but the alternative can be even more costly! So, today, we wanted to share with you the ten most common homeowner mistakes that are increasing utility bills and may be leading to bigger, more expensive repairs. Of course, we’ve included easy solutions for each challenge as well!

Not Having a Programmable Thermostat
This is a big one! And, the good news is they are becoming more and more high-tech and affordable. One of the biggest companies in this space is Nest. Take a look at their Nest Learning Thermostat. It is ENERGY STAR certified and actually learns your habits, temperatures you like best and creates a customized schedule for you and your home. The company conducted a few independent studies that showed this gadget saved people an average of 10% to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills, so it’s a great investment throughout the seasons.  

Failing to Seal HVAC Ducts

The Department of Energy reported that the average home loses approximately 20 percent of the air moving through HVAC ducts due to damage, poor connections and not enough insulation. Since most ducts are sheet metal, they can be easily insulated, but are also prone to leaking. So, it’s important to seal them! Here’s a great video that illustrates how to do just that!

Lack of Ceiling Fans
Often, people associate ceiling fans solely with cooling things down, but they can actually help with saving on both cooling and heating costs! In the Summer, a ceiling fan can help move air and cool it down. In the Winter, they can push heat down to the floor, which is super helpful when it’s cold. When selecting a ceiling fan, just make sure it’s ENERGY STAR certified. Once you have your fans, you should be able to reset the air conditioner and furnace temperature since the ceiling fans will help, which will ultimately save you money!

Not Paying Attention to Outdoor Water
It’s not uncommon to see a broken sprinkler, but sometimes they aren’t all that obvious if you have your system to water in early morning or evening. So, take a few minutes the next time your sprinklers are on to ensure there are no leaks. Not only is this a waste of water, but it also may be making your water bill more than it needs to be.

Picking the Wrong Service Company
Going with a general handyman for general home maintenance projects usually works out just fine, but not in all scenarios. If you have a big problem with your roof, it’s best to call a professional whose primary focus is roofing. Yes, it’s probably going to be more expensive, but in the long run, it’s best to deal with professionals who specialize in a specific area for potentially, large-scale projects.

Buying the Wrong Light Bulbs
Not all light bulbs are created equal! Did you know that over the lifespan on a light bulb, a traditional incandescent bulb can use up to $180 worth of electricity? LED bulbs use only $30 over the same time period. That’s a huge saving! So, while the upfront cost may be a bit more, the long-term savings definitely makes it a smart purchase.

Ignoring Your Refrigerator and Freezer  
Even ENERGY STAR refrigerators and freezers can consume a ton of energy if they aren’t maintained properly. The coils on the back of your unit need to be cleaned. This task shouldn’t take longer than five minutes. Since each unit is different, just Google, “How to clean refrigerator coils for (insert your make and model here).” This tip will help reduce the energy your refrigerator needs on a daily basis, which can add up quickly in savings.

One More Related to the Refrigerator and Freezer  
When’s the last time you checked your refrigerator’s seals? If it’s been a while (or never :), here’s a quick test. Grab a piece of paper and close your refrigerator door on it. Now, try to pull it out. It is difficult? Good! If it pulls out easily, chances are you need to replace your seals. Old, worn down seals allow a massive amount of energy to escape your refrigerator – energy that you’re getting billed for.

Forgetting to Clean Your Washer and Dryer
Typically, we think of washers and dryers are tools to clean our things, but they need attention too! Cleaning your washer and dryer will make it last longer, it can help save on gas or electric bills too. Front loading machines usually need a bit more attention since water often gathers in the door seal, which can cause mold to grow. Think about leaving the door open after running a load so it can air out. Also, wipe down the inside of the machine after every few loads to ensure there isn’t anything growing there that shouldn’t be.

Neglecting Gutters and Downspouts
A faulty gutter system can cause big (and expensive) problems since a good system keeps water directed away from your home’s foundation. Obviously, water is your basement isn’t a good thing, which is why this task is so important. Sol clean your gutters often! Consider creating a seasonal schedule that includes cleaning them at least 3-4 times a year.

We hope that learning more about these common homeowner mistakes helps you now (and your home) now and in the future! Of course, if you have any questions about a custom home in Marion, Cedar Rapids or the Iowa City Corridor, please contact us!

Please feel free to share!