Mistakes happen, right?  Of course they do. And when are they most likely to happen? When you’re working with little or no knowledge about the matter at hand.

With that in mind, here are a few of the more common mistakes new and veteran homeowners alike often make, with some advice on how to avoid them.

Don’t ignore the small stuff. It’s common to place certain maintenance tasks on the back burner but, doing so for too long can cost you more in the long run. So, take care of that leaky faucet, have that faulty outlet looked at, and have your home’s mechanical and electrical systems inspected by a licensed technician at least once a year. 

Upgrade inefficient appliances. It may not make sense to replace something that works just fine, but hanging onto practically antique appliances means you’re spending more money on your utility bills than you should be.

Go the DIY route if possible. Some home maintenance jobs are worth paying a pro for. But if you’re looking for ways to spend a little less without sacrificing your limited free time, consider hiring a neighborhood teenager to handle tasks like lawn care or small jobs around the house.

Switch out your lightbulbs. Give your old energy-draining incandescent light bulbs the boot and upgrade to LED or CFL light bulbs. While they are a little more expensive up front, they last much longer. That means you’ll replace them far less frequently – certain LED lights will never need to be replaced.

Reconsider that storage unit. Unless you have solid plans to use all those items in the storage pod or container, consider selling or donating them, closing the account, and pocketing the savings. Unless it’s a seasonal item, and you haven’t needed it in the recent past, you’re not going to any time soon.

Change your HVAC filters. Dirty heating and AC filters cause your systems to work harder, thus reducing their efficiency and burdening them with added wear and tear. A little preventive maintenance along the way can end up saving you big dollars.

If there’s a home upgrade or maintenance task on your plate that requires the services of a licensed and experienced electrician, here we are:  Excel Electric. We provide guaranteed price quotes and solid advice on the best way to achieve your desired result.