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In this challenging economy, many homeowners are putting their dream of a lavish, spa-like bathroom remodel on the back burner.  The term “justifiable spending” has returned to our vocabulary and home improvement trends suggest that homeowners are following suit.

I was recently invited to a local news station’s morning show to share my knowledge on recession-proof home improvements.  When the anchor asked me, “So Brenna, when it comes to buying groceries or spending money on your home, what should we be thinking?”  My answer: “Maintenance!”

As the age of “just-buy-a-new-one” comes to a screaching halt, we need to understand how to maintain our homes and it’s parts.  After all, the longer it lasts, the less it costs.

Let’s take heating and cooling equipment for example.  We probably know that changing the furnace filter frequently (depending on the type of filter), is important for indoor air quality.  A clean filter will also increase energy efficiency and lessen the performance effort on the equipment, potentially extending it’s life.  But what about the annual maintenance usually performed by a quaified HVAC contractor?  A professional furnace clean and inspect should be done annually and should cost under $100.00.  In my opinion, this is one expense you do not want to skip.  Most importantly, it’s a safety issue.  A furnace that is not running at peak performance can be deadly.  But for the purpose of this article, annual maintenance for under $100.00 can save you thousands in the long run, if you wind up having to replace a poorly maintained furnace. Justifiable spending, I think.

If you do want to replace your heating and cooling equipment, definitely explore new government tax credits available to homeowners for energy efficient upgrades.  *A homeowner can qualify for a 30% tax credit, up to $1,500.00 on the purchase of high efficiency air conditioners with an energy efficiency ratio (EER) greater than or equal to 13, the same tax credit applies for natural gas and propane furnaces with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating greater than or equal to 95.  These energy efficient appliances may cost more up front, but save money on utility bills and over time are designed to “pay us back” in energy savings.

Check back next week for more recession proof home improvement ideas!  You may not think so, but a properly installed and maintained deck can add value to a home, even in a down market.  Tune into Home&Yard Radio this Saturday to hear how a local company is making DIY decks a breeze.

Till next time:)

-The Fixie Chick

About the Author:

Tune into Home&Yard;Radio with the Fixie Chick Saturdays at 10:00am on 950 ESPN for more must have information for your Home & Yard!
Women owned businesses. DIY Home Improvements. Look at my other businesses: http://www.fixinchix.com & http://www.healthyhomesofrochester.com
Well save you money on your home’s energy costs.

Brenna Hartmann also writes for the Democrat and Chronicle’s Living Section in Rochester, NY. In addition she writes monthly for The Property Source Magazine and the Home and yard Handbook which she was the founder and since has sold the handbook entity in order to spend more time with her family and children.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Recession-Proof Home Improvements