8 Money Saving Tips for Homeowners in Los Angeles
Home-ownership in Los Angeles is tricky enough with rising property costs and drought-ridden neighborhoods. Wouldn’t it be great to save money on the things that matter to get the most out of your home? Turf Now!® of L.A. is devoted not only to quality artificial grass in Los Angeles, but also to saving our customers time and money. Reclaim your finances and make your home work for you with these tips to make the most of your home!
Reinforce insulation. Check attic space to ensure proper insulation exists between the beams of the roof. Measure to make sure there is a minimum of 6” in all areas. Also check windows, doors, and any other home openings for cracks that need to be filled, as these could let heating and cooling outside, driving up your energy bills.
Install ceiling fans. Keep your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and a few degrees cooler in winter to maximize energy savings. Change the direction of your fan’s paddles so that air flows down in the summer and is pulled upwards in the winter. This evens out air flow in your home.
Go Low-Flow. Low-flow showerheads could save the average family up to 2,900 gallons of water per day! Similarly, shortening shower times by only a single minute each day could save 550 gallons of water. Look for EPA-affiliated WaterSense labels to ensure your shower head is regulated properly.
Replace air filters. Heating and cooling units work extra hard when they have to pump air through filters that have not been cleaned. Solve this problem by replacing the filter on your unit. This is an easy DIY project which will take only a few minutes of your time and requires almost no preparation as long as your hardware store carries replacement filters.
Upgrade appliances. Outdated appliances are often noisy and function as “energy vampires” in your home. Upgrade to the latest technology or look for Energy Star ratings to save on appliances that run on a regular basis such as the refrigerator or the dishwasher. Think about the long-term value in these items; a good quality appliance that uses little energy and lasts for decades is much better than a cheap item that guzzles electricity and lasts only a few short years.
Install* artificial grass. Turf Now!® artificial grass offers numerous benefits, including savings on water and reduced time spent on lawn maintenance. Once artificial grass is installed*, only minimal routine maintenance is required to keep it looking nice. Isn’t your time worth as much?
Claim tax breaks. Energy-based home improvements were subject to tax credits for up to 10 percent of the cost of the project (up to $500 lifetime) in 2014. Solar energy systems, residential wind turbines and geothermal heat pumps receive a whopping 30 percent tax credit through 2016! Consider that in addition to water rebates you’ll receive for artificial grass installation*, and you will find there are numerous ways to claim free money. It pays to be green!
Invest in a good policy. Homeowner’s insurance is usually required to purchase a home, but it is actually a sound investment no matter where the home is located. The amount residents pay for insurance each month is minimal compared to the amount they save in the event of flood and fire, or even trees being knocked over on gusty days. It’s wise to plan for the worst when you want the best.
Take charge of your life and turn a financial vacuum into a money-generating investment! Your home is more than just a place to put your things; it’s where you sleep, live, and entertain. Maximize your real estate investment with energy efficient solutions that save the environment and put cash back in your pocket. Contact a Turf Now!® L.A. representative today to get started.
