While the beginning of the year is the perfect time to establish better habits, it’s also a good time to consider how you can improve your home. Keep in mind that enhancing the features of your house can boost curb appeal, make living more convenient, your interior more comfortable and even help you save on energy costs.
In this post, a leading provider of windows and doors shares a few home upgrades you should consider undertaking in the new year.
Invest in a smart thermostat if you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Some products can be installed in less than 30 minutes. A smart thermostat lets you easily schedule your HVAC system so that it doesn’t work as hard when you’re out of the house, meaning the system consumes less energy when you’re away from home.
Digital thermostats usually also let you track your energy consumption. You can make a home energy profile that indicates how your energy usage has changed over time, how it will affect your future heating and cooling costs and how you can adjust your settings to further decrease energy bills.
Make a good first impression on your guests by upgrading your exterior doors. Choose a door that complements your home’s architecture. Pick a color that’s the same as that of the siding, trim and shutters or one that contrasts nicely with them, to create a seamless look.
At Renewal by Andersen® of Cincinnati, we offer sliding patio doors with a wide range of colors, finishes, and hardware from which to choose. These doors are great for those who wish to save space because you don’t need to worry about clearance, unlike with hinged patio doors.
Our doors, which are made with Fibrex® material, are ideal for homes in the Midwest, as they can endure extreme temperatures. They’re also resistant to rot, decay, fungi, flaking, blistering and corrosion. In addition, our sliding patio doors come with High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass packages. These packages feature a low-emissivity glass coating that can minimize the amount of heat that passes through the door. This means our doors can brighten up a room without increasing its temperature.
Old, leaky windows will allow drafts into your home and make your interior uncomfortable. Replacing inefficient windows is a home upgrade that’s typically considered one of the best ways to improve your home’s value and reduce energy costs. In fact, you can recoup up to 80 percent of your window replacement costs over time through energy savings. New windows will also provide greater protection against weather extremes and harsh elements.
With modern window technology, you can enjoy more sunlight in your home without having to worry about UV rays fading your furnishings, decor, and flooring. Today’s windows are more durable and easier to clean and maintain than ever. Investing in high-quality windows will also make your home feel more peaceful, as they feature noise-reducing glass and weathertight seals.
It may be time to replace the old light fixtures that came with your home when you first moved in. Replace and upgrade your interior and exterior lighting, starting with your entryway and working your way into the kitchen and bedroom. Choose LED bulbs for a more eco-friendly option. Another good habit you can start is that of turning off the lights when you’re not using them and any time you leave the house.
Most of today’s kitchen appliances are safer, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient. Check the condition of your fridge, dishwasher, stove and kitchen hardware. Replace the old pulls and knobs with updated hardware to refresh your kitchen.
For quality replacement windows and doors, turn to Renewal by Andersen of Cincinnati. Whether you need new French patio doors or casement windows, you can count on our team. Our products aren’t just energy-efficient, they also come with one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Call us at (866) 609-5033 or fill out our contact form to get a free in-home consultation. We cater to homeowners in Cincinnati, OH, and surrounding areas.
