Home Improvements That Will Save You Money In The Long Run

Jul 28, 2022, 11:30 AM

Here are a few ways you can upgrade your home to help you keep more money in your wallet.


Note: This post features businesses participating in our Local Business Partner Program

The summertime can be the perfect time to get home projects done. While it might be tempting to focus on exciting home improvement projects like a swimming pool or turning your bedroom into a walk-in closet, here are a few ways you can upgrade your home to help you keep more money in your wallet. 

Replacing Your Roof

It can be big a large upfront cost but installing a “cool roof” can help you combat the high costs of the strong Arizona heat. When the temperature reaches triple digits, your AC unit is most likely working overtime to ensure your home stays cool, increasing your energy costs. Though a costly upgrade, a new roof that reflects sunlight and heat away from your home can help you save on utility bills but can also help you avoid reduced insurance coverage that could result in thousands in costs down the line in the event your roof is damaged or destroyed.

Considering opting for a more energy-efficient roof? Thermal Cork Solutions offers cork roofing, a type of sealant made from natural cork oak and applied to flat roofs, asphalt shingle roofs, and concrete tile roofs. Cork roofing is eco-friendly and sustainable and creates a barrier between your roof and damaging elements such as UV rays, wind, rain, and snow. Cork is also a great insulator, helping keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. 

Smart Home Tech

Besides feeling like you stepped into an episode of The Jetsons, equipping your home with smart appliances can help save you money. Smart thermostats not only give you the convenience of setting and adjusting your home’s temperature from your phone but according to the Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners can save approximately $100 a year with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. 

Ready to upgrade your home with tech that will save you money by learning your behavior? Local business, Cummings Plumbing can help you install your very own Nest Learning Thermostat! The Nest Thermostat will pick up on your temperature preferences throughout the day, turning on and off when needed. 

Low Flow Toilets 

According to the EPA, toilet use makes up the majority of water use in a household, using as much as 6 gallons per flush. By using gravity or a pressure-assisted design, low-flow toilets can help save homeowners up to $140 every year and almost $3,000 over the lifetime of the toilet.

If you’ve been thinking of boosting the value of your home with a new low-flow toilet, the team of skilled and highly trained plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tucson can help!

Solar Panels

Similar to a new roof, installing solar panels can be a high cost initially but in the long run, solar panels will help minimize your energy costs. But luckily for Arizonans, the Residential Arizona Solar Tax Credit reimburses homeowners 25% of the cost of solar panels, up to $1,000. From powering your lighting and appliances to heating your water, solar panels pull from a renewable source of energy, the sun. So as long as the sun shines, your investment will continue to provide gains. 

With electric and natural gas prices rising, solar panels could be the right investment for you. If you’re looking to take advantage of the state and federal tax rebates that come with solar panels, check out local solar specialist, Kevin Kennedy to get started on a free no cost, no-obligation quote to start saving with solar energy today.

Security System

Installing a security system can give you peace of mind and make you feel safer but it can also save you money. While some systems can result in high monthly subscription costs, security services like Nest Security or Ring Video can help keep costs low while allowing you to monitor remotely from your smartphone. Most insurance companies also offer discounts on premiums if a security system is installed, helping homeowners save up to 15%. 

Seal Your Ducts

Make sure you give your AC unit a hand and prevent any cool air from escaping your home by making sure your air ducts are properly sealed. Leaky air ducts can reduce the efficiency of your AC by 20%, increasing the cost of your electric bill. On top of helping you save money, ensuring your ducts are sealed will also help reduce the number of allergens and contaminates in your home’s air. 

Start seeing more savings on your energy bill and contact Family Air for your duct sealing needs! Since 2006, Family Air has dedicated heating and cooling service staff who will work quickly and efficiently to make sure your heating, cooling, AC, and air quality needs are met. 

Did you know Checking PLUS gives you discounts at some of these great locations? Try it today for 90 days and start saving more on everything from home repairs and upgrades to travel and entertainment. Check out our entire directory to explore additional offers.