Are you a proud Rochester resident? If so, you should think about house upgrades. Many people associate house upgrades with flashing money signs since many home improvement projects are expensive. However, home renovation projects range in price from expensive to inexpensive. Some include flashy new smart devices, while others are low-tech. Having said that, the correct home improvement projects can help you save money while upgrading your house. Here are several long-term home investments that can help you save money on your Rochester home.

Smart Lighting

According to the Department of Energy, the average American household spends 5-10% of its income on lighting alone. A smart way to cut lighting expenditure is using smart lighting. Smart lighting now comes in various shapes and sizes, ranging from automated lighting systems to efficient lightbulbs. Since they switch your lights on and off depending on activity, motion or occupancy, sensors are an excellent method to avoid leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms. Home automation lights can also help you save money on your power bill by allowing you to manage lights remotely, program lights to turn on and off at specific times of day, and even evaluate lighting consumption to make better energy-efficient choices.

Smart Thermostats

If you take the time to install and set your smart thermostat, you should expect to save money on energy right away as the thermostat begins to ‘think’ for you. These smart thermostats track home behaviors to serve you better and save money. Smart thermostats switch off when no one is at home, limit temperature settings to only occupied areas, and can even learn your household’s heating and cooling schedule.

Replace Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills. In the summer, turn the fan blades counterclockwise to provide a pleasant breeze, minimizing the need for costly air conditioning. Running the blades clockwise forces warm air that has risen back into the room, reducing heating expenses during the winter.

Plant Some Trees

It’s time to plant some trees if your home is frying in the heat. Aside from providing instant aesthetic appeal, trees may help you save money, especially during the summer. According to the Department of Energy, a little shade can lower annual cooling expenses by 15% to 50%. Not only that, but trees planted as windbreaks help save heating bills in the winter. Use a six to an eight-foot tree to provide instant shade for your windows and your roof might be shaded in as little as five years.

Upgrading Garage Door

The garage door is an integral part of every home. The garage door is the primary gateway for 55% of households. Upgrading to a working garage door is critical to your home’s security and convenience, keeping the weather and burglars out while providing quick egress when needed. It also contributes significantly to the aesthetic of your home, making its selection and care even more important, and updating it provides a fantastic return on investment.

Installing Solar Panels

Solar panels are getting better all the time. Solar panels are getting more affordable, their capacity to catch photons from the sun and convert them to power is improving, and the technology is evolving as solar shingles become more popular. The time it takes for solar panels to pay for themselves is also decreasing—an average solar system will pay for itself in seven and a half years. The earlier you install solar panels, the earlier you’ll start saving money on energy costs.

Install Smart Security Devices

Since many thieves check for a security system before attempting a burglary, a home security system is a significant deterrent. Home security systems function because they promptly inform you of intruders if someone breaks in, and monitoring systems tell local authorities who will investigate the source of the alarm. Smart security gadgets may provide peace of mind without a monthly subscription and are simple to monitor remotely from a phone.

Insulate the Attic

In the United States, the average power rate is 10.42 cents per kilowatt-hour. Using your heater or air conditioner on most days will result in a hefty electrical bill. You might save a lot of money by installing new attic insulation. You can upgrade your attic insulation yourself for a few hundred dollars. Depending on where you live and the heat you experience, upgrading it annually can help cut down on heating and cooling expenditures. It also increases the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future.

Don’t wait! Take advantage of the summer weather today to get some important home improvements done. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.