Home improvement projects are a great way to spend time productively. They can make your life easier and more comfortable. You’ll learn practical skills. They can also boost the property value of your house.
The downside to home projects is the time it consumes. Remodeling a kitchen can take almost half a year. Even a simple project like applying wallpaper can take a few days because you have to wait for it to dry completely.
Fortunately, there are plenty of projects that can be done within a day. While you might need to hire an electrician or a contractor, you’ll reap the benefits instantly. Here’s how:
Home Battery
As the technology progresses, the dependence on gadgets and appliances increases. Avid readers before only needed decent lighting to enjoy their books. Now, more and more people are reading novels using their phones, tablets, and e-readers. It’s now the norm to carry a power bank in your bag due to battery-heavy games and apps. Because of this dependence, you may have noticed that your electricity bill has risen. One quick way to solve this problem is by installing a home battery.
Home batteries are designed to reduce your house’s reliance to the power grid. This means that even if there’s an outage in your area, you’d still have access to electricity. Depending on the model, the battery can also act as the main source of electricity during peak hours. They’re especially useful if you have solar panels at home. Batteries can store the excess energy collected during the day so there won’t be any waste. While they may be pricey at first, they’re a good investment for the long-term.
Smart Thermostat
If you don’t have the budget for a home battery, you can opt for a smart thermostat. It costs a fraction of the price and it can also help reduce your energy consumption. Figures by the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that households spend the most on air conditioning and heating. To compare, TVs and other appliances only make up 6.9% of energy use while temperature control total to 32%.
When it comes to smart devices, the two biggest benefits are the convenience and control. You can turn an appliance off or on even if you’re not at home, as long as you have internet access. If you have a regular routine, you can just set up a schedule so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. There are also varieties with motion and remote sensors. It automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re in the room or not.
Before you spend money on an upgraded thermostat, make sure to consider a few factors. First, if you already have smart devices, see if it’s compatible. There are models that can work with Amazon Alexa while others can work with Google and Siri. Next, find a model that suits your needs. There are types with weather forecasts and power extenders.
For the installation, make sure to consult a professional electrician for any concerns. It’s best to take extra precaution rather than take any unnecessary risks. Also, don’t forget to keep your old thermostat. You can re-use it if you experience any problem with your new device.
New Lights
Regular light bulbs get the job done, but they’re not particularly nice to look at. They can take away attention from the centerpiece and appear outdated. On the bright side, there’s a cheap and easy answer to get rid of this problem. You can replace your old light fixtures with recessed or can lights. Unlike traditional lights, they look modern and sleek.
The best thing about them is their bulbs aren’t visible. When switched on, the only thing you can see is the actual light. If done right, you can create a dramatic effect that will make any room look better.
If you don’t want to spend money on new lights, there’s another way you can upgrade the lighting in your home. With dimmer switches, you can have more control over the brightness or darkness in any room. It’s ideal for people who spend a lot of time on their computer or work from home. Too dark or bright lights can cause eyestrain. They’re also cheap and easy to install. Best of all, they can help reduce your electricity bills.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to upgrade your house. But you do have to follow the instructions on the product manual and consult a professional for complicated installations. You can start small and simple before trying out more complex projects.
