Decatur homeowners are always looking for cost-effective, accessible home upgrades to add real value to their property. While complete bathroom or kitchen remodels might not be in the budget, there are many affordable ways to upgrade your home décor, HVAC, and other systems to save you money. And over time, your project might even pay for itself!
Explore our favorite affordable home upgrades that deliver enhanced comfort and efficiency.
Heat Pumps: The Best HVAC Upgrade
When it’s time to replace your AC, furnace, or boiler, switching to a heat pump offers an ROI of roughly 60% in the first year alone! Not only are heat pumps more energy efficient than central air conditioning in summer, they’re actually better than any heating system unless temperatures are below zero degrees.
Other cost-effective HVAC upgrades include installing a smart thermostat, adding or replacing insulation, and sealing your ductwork. Make sure to look for federal, state, or local rebates and tax credits to offset upfront installation costs. Valley Heating & Cooling will help you determine which programs you qualify for!
A Bright Idea: Home Lighting Upgrades
Upgrading your home's lighting fixtures and bulbs can transform your space and reduce electricity bills. Most lighting upgrades offer a 100% ROI within three years, and switching to LEDs may pay for itself in 12 months or less, depending on the age of your old bulbs.
- Inside, choose lighting fixtures to address darker areas of the home.
- Outside, add motion sensor lighting to increase security.
- Consider using lighting to illuminate your entryway and stairs, and always look for LEDs to improve efficiency.
Some LED bulbs and lighting fixtures offer rebates or tax credits, just like HVAC systems. These incentives make lighting upgrades more affordable and improve your overall return on investment.
Read more: Our Favorite Smart Home Technology Upgrades
Prime Plumbing Upgrades
While plumbing upgrade ROI isn’t as high as HVAC or lighting, these improvements reap dividends in terms of your peace of mind. You won’t find them in home decor magazines, but leak detection systems and other defensive upgrades reduce the risk of catastrophic plumbing problems, protecting your home and your wallet.
- Leak detection systems: From small sensors to more complex monitoring systems, leak detection systems use Wi-Fi to send alerts whenever they detect unusual water consumption or leaks. This can mitigate otherwise disastrous leaks and floods.
- Sump pump alarms: Designed to alert homeowners in the event of a power outage or equipment failure, these can prevent flooded basements and related damage. Many models integrate with back-up sump pump batteries for more comprehensive coverage.
- Low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads: Reducing water waste can lower annual bills and protect the planet. Look forWaterSense-approved products, which use 20% less water than standard toilets; that’s 13,000 gallons of water, or approximately $170, saved per year!
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Decatur’s HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Upgrade Experts
Valley Heating & Cooling is the local home service pro with the resources to recommend the right home upgrades to save you money now while adding value to your property long-term. From emergency HVAC to carefully designed lighting upgrades, we are the trusted choice for all your home service needs in Decatur and beyond. Schedule your service appointment with our friendly team today!
Call 256-474-7550 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Decatur, Athens, and the surrounding areas.