8 Home Features That Will Save People Hundreds Every Month, According to Real Estate Agents

Looking at home upgrades can be fun — until you do the math and figure out how much you will spend to integrate those new features into your home. Thankfully, with new technology, affordable home features are available to make your home run efficiently and effectively all while saving you some money in the process.

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GOBankingRates reached out to some real estate and construction experts to find out about the home features that will save hundreds every month .

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Home Garden

If you have a bit of extra outdoor space in your yard or on your deck, you can find a new way to add food to your kitchen and money to your wallet: a home garden.

“While this may take some time to establish and work out, having a home garden can save you hundreds each month on your grocery bill,” said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant .

“If you can grow a variety of fruits and veggies, from berries, to fruit trees, to tomatoes, to zucchini, to herbs, and more, you can seriously slash your spending on fresh produce at the grocery store,” Nally explained. “Since produce can so often be very expensive, even in small quantities, being self-sufficient in this way with your own garden really can make a major difference with your grocery costs.”

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Solar Panels

According to Andreis Bergeron, vice president of sales of RedAwning , installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to reduce electricity bills, potentially saving homeowners $100 to $200 monthly, depending on their location and energy consumption.

“What makes solar panels particularly valuable is their ability to harness a free, renewable energy source — the sun,” Bergeron said.

Ryan Norman, founder of Norman Builders , agreed that solar panels are an investment that pays off over the long run.

“Although the initial cost to install a residential solar system is high, many of our clients who went solar 5-10 years ago now have extremely low or $0 electric bills each month because they generate much of their own energy,” Norman said. “The key is choosing an appropriately sized solar system for your home’s needs so it can produce enough power to eliminate most of your electric costs.”

As an example, Bergeron said that a client in California was initially hesitant about the upfront costs but soon found that the panels paid for themselves within five years.

“Not only did they lower their electricity bill, but they also benefited from state incentives and increased their property value, making solar panels a standout feature,” Bergeron said.

High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

“Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can result in significant savings, particularly in climates with extreme temperatures,” Bergeron explained. He noted that by optimizing energy use, these systems can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, equating to monthly savings of around $50 to $150.

Bergeron recalled a homeowner in Arizona as an example. He said they “saw their summer cooling costs drop dramatically after installing a high-efficiency system, thanks to its ability to maintain comfort without overexerting energy resources.”

Smart Thermostats

“Smart thermostats are highly programmable devices that learn your temperature preferences and schedules to ensure maximum efficiency,” Norman said. “We have installed smart thermostats for many homeowners who saved around $50-$100 per month on heating and cooling just by reducing waste.”

The automation of these thermostats can save you time and money. “The thermostats detect when you are away from home or sleeping and adjust temperatures automatically to minimize costs without sacrificing comfort during waking hours,” Norman said.

Water-Efficient Fixtures

“Water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads can collectively save homeowners a significant amount on their water bills — up to $70 per month,” Bergeron said.

“These features are particularly impactful in regions facing water scarcity, where costs are higher,” he said. “I’ve seen clients in places like Las Vegas benefit greatly from installing these fixtures, noting not only the immediate reduction in water bills but also a positive impact on the environment.”

Insulated Attics

Well-insulated attics are another way to significantly cut costs, in Norman’s professional opinion. “Adding extra insulation to an attic, especially for older homes, improves the efficiency of the entire home’s HVAC system,” he explained.

Norman’s company has installed insulation for many clients, “allowing them to turn the thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter while maintaining comfort.” This reduced Norman’s clients’ bills by $300 to $400 per month on average.

Energy-Efficient Windows

In Bergeron’s experience, replacing single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane energy-efficient windows can drastically cut down heating and cooling expenses by reducing the amount of heat that escapes in the winter and enters in the summer.

“My company has installed high-performance windows for many homeowners, some of whom saw energy bill reductions of 30%-50% annually,” Norman said, noting that for a typical sized home, this can mean $200 to $500 in savings each month.

One New York homeowner Bergeron worked with reported a noticeable difference in their energy bills after making the switch, alongside an added bonus of increased comfort and noise reduction, which Bergeron said “enhanced their overall living experience.”

Smart Irrigation Systems

“For homeowners with larger lawns or gardens, smart irrigation systems offer the dual benefit of reducing water usage and cutting costs, with potential savings of $40 to $80 per month,” Bergeron said.

Bergeron added that these systems use weather data and soil moisture levels to water plants only when necessary, avoiding overwatering.

“A client in Florida who installed a smart irrigation system was able to conserve water during the rainy season and significantly lower their monthly water bill, all while maintaining a lush, green landscape,” he said.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 8 Home Features That Will Save People Hundreds Every Month, According to Real Estate Agents