Summertime was made for beaches, BBQs and bare feet. For homeowners, it represents the perfect time to tackle those summer home improvement projects while weather conditions are just right. With wind, snow, rain and ice out of the picture, which can take their toll on respective properties, the summer months are generally the ideal time to assess, repair and make upgrades to homes.
Summer home improvements can range from small repairs to major remodeling projects. Any of them will require some type of out of pocket costs, but the majority will enhance the overall value of the home. With a wide range of summer ideas on the block, the next question for homeowners is which project to choose from.
If you are looking for summer home improvements that can save you money while increasing the value of your home, then installing a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to do so. These devices allow homeowners to customize their temperature profile throughout the day, which can lead to smalls savings on a monthly basis that add up. According to Energy Star, programmable thermostats have the ability to save homeowners, on average, $180 in heating and cooling costs per year.
Another option is installing a smart thermostat such as Nest. These Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, which are controlled by a homeowner’s smartphone, have been proven to save 10-12 percent on heating costs, and 15 percent on cooling. In addition, Nest has partnered with Southern California Edison and other energy companies to provide customers with a Nest smart-thermostat. In terms of pricing, the cost of the thermostat including installation will cost anywhere from $99-$250 per device.
—
Photo Credit: Christian Delbert / Shutterstock.com