With all the time we’re spending at home, why not use some of it to improve your home? Here are a few easy projects that will improve your home’s energy efficiency and improve the feel of a home which will improve your home’s value! Home Depot or Lowe’s online ordering should be your friend during this time!
1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs
One of the quickest, cheapest, and easiest ways to save money on your monthly Xcel bill is to replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. LED bulbs cost slightly more (30 cents per bulb), but they can last 10 times as long and use 20% of the energy. Those savings add up quickly when multiplied across your entire home. Even replacing compact fluorescent bulbs (the swirly ones) with LEDs will improve efficiency. Do you know how many incandescent bulbs you still have in your home?
2. Freshen up paint
Fresh paint can have a drastic impact on your home whether it’s interior or exterior. Touch up walls or siding that has chipped, or choose a brand new pop of color to make the room feel new again. Painting also has some meditative qualities to it which can help with the anxiety many are going through now.
3. Install Smart Home Features
The world is more connected than it has ever been, and so is your home! There are countless smart home options available on the market right now. Video doorbells seem to be the most popular for security reasons and catching those dreaded porch pirates. However, their are several features that will help improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your monthly energy bill. Smart thermostats are a great option to first become aware of your HVAC use and then optimize it. Motion sensors and timers on lights are another way to avoid wasting energy and start saving money. Xcel Energy has a number of programs and rebates available to help Denver homeowners out with discounts on energy saving tools. Check out the link below!
https://www.xcelenergy.com/programs_and_rebates/residential_programs_and_rebates
4. Yardwork, Landscaping, Gardening
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, most Coloradans spend more time outside than inside, and this is the perfect time of year to go out and get those yards and patios ready for summer. You can plant a new tree, start flower beds, build a garden, build a deck or firepit – the possibilities are endless, and you’ll never have more time than you do know!
5. Learn how to compost or teach someone!
For most of us, stay at home orders have meant a lot more cooking at home which typically means a lot more organic waste. A great way to put that waste to use is to compost. Click link below for an easy guide to get started!
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/advice/a23945/start-composting/
Whatever you do during this uncertain time, please be safe and watch out for your family, friends, neighbors, and community.
