(BPT) – Are you ready for a home refresh? The new year is an ideal time to set goals and optimize your home, whether you’re tackling important maintenance tasks, adding comforting elements to cozy up your space, or getting organized.
This year, home improvements that provide long-term benefits are top of mind for homeowners. Here are a few ways to keep your home in tip-top shape and bring you peace of mind.
Minimize clutter and increase safety
People are multitasking at home more than ever, which can often lead to increased clutter. Disorganization can be more than just unsightly mess; it can be a safety hazard. Thoughtful organization improves functionality, saves space and keeps areas clutter-free to reduce the chance of injury. Spaces where organization can have a huge impact include closets, mudrooms, the garage, the home office, pantry and laundry room.
“Having a dedicated space to store and contain your items will help you stay organized and improve order and efficiency,” said Andrew Hall, Home Depot Interiors Program Merchant.
By utilizing high-quality installed organization systems, you can reclaim control of your office, keep things tidy and efficient in your laundry room, and easily spot missing ingredients in your new kitchen pantry. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a walk-in pantry is the most-wanted kitchen feature, with 81% of home buyers identifying a walk-in pantry as an essential/must-have (34%) or desirable item (47%).
Decluttering and organizing your home can also help to reduce stress and allow you to streamline daily tasks. For a custom solution that meets all your storage needs and maintains your design aesthetic, consider professional organization. The Home Depot Home Services is available to help you design and build your own custom closet or storage solution with ease and convenience.
Cut energy costs and your carbon footprint
The foundation of home comfort starts with proper heating and cooling. HVAC services include anything related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and are key to feeling comfortable at home year-round, no matter the temperature outside.
“Crossing routine maintenance tasks off your to-do list sooner rather than later not only enhances comfort, safety and functionality of your home, but it can also increase the value of your home, reduce your energy consumption and save you money,” said Viviane Essex, HVAC Install Merchant with The Home Depot’s Home Services team.
Each spring and fall before you start using your air conditioner, furnace or other heating and cooling systems, you should get a tune-up to prepare your HVAC system for the seasons. By investing in a spring AC tune up and fall furnace tune-up each year, you can save a lot in energy bills by keeping your system operating at peak efficiency. You also can avoid costly repairs by identifying and fixing minor problems before they turn into big ones. While some homes might be due for a new replacement high efficiency furnace or air conditioner, others may simply need maintenance to keep everything operating as it should.
Consult a HVAC service provider from The Home Depot Home Services who can evaluate and take measurements on critical system components, check the performance and safety of the system cleanings, and make necessary repairs. Air circulation is also important to prevent temperature fluctuations throughout a home and save money while reducing energy costs. Your tune-up technician can check for duct leakage which can cause hot/cold spots and waste energy — duct sealing can help with this. In addition, installing ceiling fans and mounting a programmable thermostat in place of an older model can all help reduce your utility bills and keep you feeling more comfortable at home.
Get prepared to stay ahead of unexpected expenses
For most people, their home is their biggest investment. A proactive approach to maintenance and repairs helps protect this investment and provides peace of mind. Consider keeping a monthly and annual checklist of maintenance to-do’s and schedule any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Common monthly home maintenance to-do’s include checking pipes for leaks, verifying air flow and temperature accuracy, changing furnace filters, checking fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and cleaning gutters and walkways of debris. Annual maintenance should include HVAC maintenance, checking window and door seals, verifying fence and deck integrity, updating lighting indoors and out, and landscape maintenance such as trimming trees.
If you want help to reach your 2022 home improvement goals, start with the professionals at The Home Depot Home Services. The Home Depot Home Services provides homeowners with free in-person or virtual consultations depending on project type and client needs for 400 home improvement projects, partnering with top professionals in your community to help you make your upgrades and repairs a reality. If you decide to move forward with your project, you can feel confident that all certified service providers are local, licensed, insured and background checked. Learn more at homedepot.com/licensenumbers.
