Goodbye 2011, hello 2012! The best part about starting fresh in the new year (besides letting go of guilt over your holiday cookie binge) is that it’s the perfect time to introduce healthier habits for both yourself and for your home. If you’re like us your New Year’s resolution is either forgotten or ignored by the second week of January, but luckily these home improvement tips don’t require a year-long commitment. With these few simple tips, you can cut down your utility bill, improve the health of your home, and increase your home value. 
#10 – Less is more
Out with the old and in with the new! Cleaning up and pairing down will go a long way in relieving anxiety induced by piles of clutter that accumulated over the year. And as an added bonus, donating unused clothing and housewares is good for the soul!
#9 – Bust out your ladder
A simple roof examination can prevent major damage to the roof and interior of your home. Pick a warm afternoon to do a quick check for missing shingles or potential leaks and make any necessary repairs. If your roof’s pitch is too steep for even Santa Claus to climb, or you simply don’t like heights, it might be wise to call a handyman.
#8 – A clean home is a happy home
This may already be on your to-do list for 2012, but we can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your basement and attic clean and free of debris. Sweeping up dust will keep unwanted critters away, help minimize allergy problems, and even decrease your risk of a house fire.
#7 – Improve your curbside manner
Most neighborhoods have that one homeowner who refuses to rake in the fall, shovel in the winter and mow their lawn in the spring and summer. But, curb appeal is a powerful thing. Maintaining your landscape can add great value to your home and put a smile on your face every time you come home from a hard day of work.
#6 – Keep drafts out
One of the biggest reasons for bloated heating and air conditioning bills is poor or deteriorated seals on windows and doors. It’s not hard to tell if there’s a draft. Often you can actually feel the cold air coming in–and in some cases it feels like wind is passing through your window. As much as we love Snuggies, they don’t lower the utility bills. So, track down the source of that pesky draft and keep your dollar bills from blowing out the window.
#5 – Filters are your friend
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) units should be cleaned annually to optimize energy efficiency and to avoid major maintenance. Simply remembering to change out the filter can dramatically decrease the amount of dust and allergens floating around in your home. We recommend having your heating and air conditioning equipment serviced regularly by a professional.
#4 – Get digitized
It may sound like a minor suggestion, but installing a digital thermostat can save you big money on heating and improve your home’s energy efficiency. This one is a no brainer!
#3 – Gut the gutters
Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year, but it is recommended to get the gunk out of your gutters every six months. Any handyman would be happy to do it, but to save a little money all you need is a ladder, a bucket or garbage bag, a goop-scooping tool, and thick rubber gloves. The thicker the better–just trust us.
#2 – New colors for the new year
After a few years, your home and your family can tire from the same old colors. A fresh coat of paint and a few new accessories can breathe new life into your household. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and have fun with colors outside of your comfort zone! And as an added bonus, fresh interior and exterior paint can increase your home value!
#1 – Shine a light on savings
This tip is by far the easiest on our list. There is a small up-font investment, but swapping out your current light bulbs for eco-friendly bulbs will make your home more efficient–resulting in lower electrical bills. Another tip: your electronics draw energy even while they’re not in use. Every minute your toaster sits there plugged into the wall it’s driving up your utility bill. Unplug your gadgets before work or at bedtime and see how much you can drive-up your savings!
