Helpful Home Tips

There are many ways to save money by choosing from a growing list of home energy improvements.  HomeServicesLink is excited to provide you with a list of things you can do or call on our experienced handymen to take care of for you. These home improvements and home maintenance tips will help you save money year-round.

• If your home is more than 20 years old, chances are, it is missing important features such as upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows, and water saving fixtures.
• Exposure to carpet mold is one of the leading causes of respiratory problems.
• The toilet accounts for approximately 30% of household water. High-efficiency toilets use at least 20% less water than standard toilets. Dual-flush, water-saving toilets save you money (about 20% of monthly water bills).
• To cut the water-heating bill in half, turn down your water heater to 50 degrees celsius and insulate it.
• If your gas water heater is more than 10 years old, it is inefficient and should be replaced, and get one with a timer so that it heats water only when you need it.
• Windows are thermal holes. An average home may lose 30% of its heat or air-conditioning energy through the windows.
• Insulate your water heater. But 25% of every dollar you spend on energy goes to heat your water.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads & faucet aerators can reduce your water consumption and your energy cost as much as 50%, without sacrificing water pressure.
• Install natural insulation in your walls & attic. Between floor joists as well.
• Install a programmable thermostat with a timer.
• Test your home for radon.
• Insulate your roof.
• Install solar panels.
• Install a whole-house fan.
• Buy/Install a water filter instead of bottled water.
• Add insulation to the hot-water pipes.
• Install a solar attic fan to vent hot air from your attic.
• Weatherize your windows and doors. Use caulk, sealants, and weather-stripping.
• 1/3 of the heat in your home is leaking out of your ducts. Seal the joints in your duct work with low-toxic mastic compound.
• Clean your air conditioner filter regularly. If you shade your air conditioner, it will not have to work as hard.
• Install ceiling fans instead of air conditioners.
• Clean/replace furnace filters each month of use.
• Put a foam gasket behind your thermostat so that it reads the actual room temperature instead of the colder temperature inside the wall.
• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and install occupancy sensors which turn off lights when people leave the room.