Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2024 | 10 Posts
- 2023 | 48 Posts
- 2022 | 48 Posts
- 2021 | 48 Posts
- 2020 | 49 Posts
- 2019 | 46 Posts
- 2018 | 52 Posts
- 2017 | 110 Posts
- 2016 | 78 Posts
- 2015 | 7 Posts
31
What Is Your Home's New Year's Resolution?
A new year means a new beginning, and maybe this year is time to try something a little different. Instead of the usual New Year's resolutions we make for ourselves – losing weight, kicking a bad habit – how about making a few resolutions for your house?
With a new year about to begin, now is the perfect time to think about how you want to make your house better in the future. Maybe you want to protect it from the elements, update some features, or finally tackle that DIY project you've been putting off. In any case, these are a few resolutions our REALTORS® recommend considering for your list!
- Budget for Home Improvements
Tackling DIY projects can be daunting, especially from a financial perspective. A great way to deal with the costs of home improvements is to lay out your budget at the beginning of the year, including a list of what you want to improve, how much it will cost, and how you will set aside the necessary funds. This will prevent overspending, and also give you extra motivation to get the job done. - Reduce Energy Use
Committing to reducing your home's energy consumption is great for the planet, and it helps save you money on your utility bills every month. Here's what you can do:
• Make sure your ductwork is well sealed and insulated
• Check for air leaks around windows and doors, and seal any cracks you find with caulk or weather stripping
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, and bring in more natural light so you don't have to use them as much
• Always unplug electronics when not in use
• Check the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines for more ways to cut energy usage - Keep Up With Clean Filters
It's easy to ignore the filters in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, but regular filter changes are essential. They help keep your air clean, allow your HVAC to run more smoothly, and extend the lifespan of the whole system.
If your heating and cooling is all handled by one central HVAC, then it likely sees year-round use, and filters will need to be changed fairly often. Once every three months is a good general rule, but check up on your filters once a month to see if they need replacing.
- Simplify Your Space
Eliminating clutter will open up your space and help you feel more at home in your own house. Take a good look around to see what can be thrown out, sold, given away or donated. If you have a lot of stuff you don't need, consider setting it aside to throw a big yard sale in spring. - Purify Your Air
While it might not be something you consider on a day-to-day basis, the quality of the air in your house can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Maintaining your HVAC helps a lot, and bringing some live plants into your living space is a great way to purify your air naturally. You could also:
• Use only low-VOC paints for home improvement projects
• Use localized ventilation in kitchens in bathrooms to remove food odors, mold, and mildew
• Only burn natural firewood in wood stoves and fireplaces
• Use a portable air cleaner to help purify the air in specific rooms
Whether you're looking for Mansfield homes for sale, or are on the lookout for ways to protect and improve the home you already have, we're here to help. Contact us today to find out how our team can help you get ready to buy or sell your next home!