Money-saving tips homeowners should try this autumn

Autumn brings about difficult weather than can put your home at risk and make it difficult to account for inflated utility bills. By being proactive, you can protect your house from adverse weather and make it easier to manage how and when your family turns on the heat or uses hot water. Check out these helpful tips and projects to try this fall:

Investigate your attic's insulation
Chilly mornings and occasional spells of frigid air can make your home uncomfortably cold in autumn, but most folks likely want to wait until as late as possible in the season to turn on the heat. Insulating windows and doors by covering up obvious cracks is a good way to make sure your home is safe from cool breezes and lower temperatures.

"Many states offer incentive programs for proprieties that improve their insulation."

The insulation in your attic, however, is even more important, as the heat in your home can easily escape without proper care. The Simple Dollar reported that each year, homeowners should investigate and make sure there haven't been any leaks or animals that may compromise the effectiveness of a house's insulation.

Importantly, many states offer incentive programs for proprieties that improve their insulation standing. Be sure to check and ensure you're not missing out on possible savings. 

Clean up the gutters
Fallen leaves and other debris can quickly fill your gutters, leaving your home vulnerable during a fall storm. When the gutters are clogged, rain is forced elsewhere, leading to expensive leaks. Grab a ladder and clean out the gutters at least once during autumn, or else you could be dealing with bigger problems further down the line.

Install an electric tankless water heater
A nice, warm shower is a wonderful way to fight off the chilly fall weather, but this little luxury can lead to an expensive utility bill at the end of the month. To make matters worse, some older homes may not have enough warm water to go around, and some members of your family might literally be left out in the cold during a morning shower.

By installing an electric tankless water heater, you can ensure that your home has endless hot water. This is also great for lowering your water heating bill, which can often be a major monthly cost for many homeowners.

A warm shower is a great way to fight off the cold.A warm shower is a great way to fight off the cold.

Invest in a programmable thermostat
Another way to take control of your utilities is to opt for a programmable thermostat. This is especially important in fall, as weather can fluctuate throughout the day. And once you do turn the heat on, a programmable or smart thermostat is key. This device pairs with a smartphone, letting homeowners monitor the temperature inside the home. 

While your family is at school and you're at work, set the thermostat slightly lower, and program it to turn the heat on right before you return home. This saves lots of money on heating bills in the fall and winter, and in the summer can be applied to your air conditioning costs. 

Inspect your fireplace
As the Do It Yourself Network found, a fireplace is not just a place for warm air to escape from your home, but it can also be the source of expensive or dangerous problems. Be sure to clear out any debris and ensure the flue is working properly. Otherwise, weather could become a serious issue, but more to the point, you could have issues related to a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Fires are a great way to celebrate autumn, so this step is important for making the season more enjoyable than frustrating.

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