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When you buy a home, you take on the responsibility to maintain and care for it. Some of the little issues that pop up might not be too much of a concern, so you’re content to let them wait for a while as you deal with more urgent needs. However, there are those that could cost you more and more as they’re allowed to linger, so here, we’re going to look at the home issues, little and large, you shouldn’t tolerate.

Drafty Windows

If you feel cold drafts around your window in the fall and winter, or hot air in the spring and summer, then you shouldn’t ignore it, even if your comfort levels don’t feel too affected by it right now. A draft means that your home isn’t able to maintain its temperature as well, as heat can leak out in the winter or in during the summer, which drives your HVAC costs up, increasing your energy bills. Upgrading to energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane windows with proper sealing can dramatically reduce drafts. Alternatively, adding weatherstripping or caulking around existing windows is a quick fix.

Poor Insulation

Just as much of a concern for your energy bills, if not more so, is the problem of having inadequate insulation in the home. Whether in your attic, walls, or crawl spaces, poor insulation allows warm air to escape during winter and hot air to infiltrate in summer. Adding insulation to these places not only helps you maintain the comfort and warmth of your home, but it can also reduce noise and prevent the moisture buildup that leads to mold. If you have an older home, it’s worth checking to see if your insulation has degraded over time, too.

An Aging Roof

The roof is not something we tend to think about often, as it’s up above us, out of sight, out of mind. However, if it has aged past its best condition, it’s going to start becoming a problem. For one, it will be less effective at keeping the heat from escaping the home, leading to higher energy bills. What’s more, missing or damaged shingles can cause leaks to come in when it’s raining outside. Working with a roofing contractor to replace an old roof can immediately bolster the comfort and security of your home. A new roof with modern materials and proper insulation improves energy efficiency by reflecting heat away in summer and retaining warmth in winter.

Old Appliances

You might be of the mind that the longer you can keep using things in the home, the more frugal you are. However, when it comes to energy appliances, if it’s over ten years old, it’s likely not as energy efficient as it used to be and could be due for a replacement. Refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and HVAC systems that lack modern efficiency features consume more electricity and water, which can greatly raise your utility bills over time.

Delay on the fixes above, and your wallet is going to feel it. Being proactive with repairs not only makes a healthier and happier home, but also one that costs less to run, as well.

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