According to housing studies, almost $420 billion was spent on home improvements in the U.S.

Home buyers are starting to figure out that keeping their homes in tip-top condition will save hard-earned cash in the long run.

There are endless improvement tips out there. However, below you can find the three essential home improvement tips to save plenty of money!

1. Winterize Your Home

New construction homes are built to the current energy codes, which provide well insulated and energy efficient living. However, if your home was built several decades ago, checking for and adding insulation will help make it more energy efficient. EPA states that homes can save around 15% on energy bills only from quality insulation.

Adding blinds and curtains is another way to keep the warmth inside. They act as a barrier and trap the hot air from leaving through windows. Around 18% of heat is lost through windows, so it's a good idea to keep curtains shut when the heating is on.

Outside the home should be a focus as well. Disconnect hoses from hose bibs to avoid freezing and flooding. Cover your plants if a cold spell is in the forecast, and cover gas grills and be sure the propane tank is disconnected and closed when not in use.

2. Maintain Your Roof

Restoring a damaged roof is one of the costliest expenses for repairing a home. So keep your money in your pocket and maintain your roof throughout the year.

Start by regularly cleaning the gutters. If you don't, leaves will block up the pipes, and water will overflow onto the roof, damaging it. Professional house cleaners recommend clearing out your gutters 3-4 times a year.

While you're clearing your gutters, check for any damages. Replace any broken tiles instantly, or your ceilings may suffer from water damage. If any small cracks or gaps appear on your roof, seal them with filler.

3. Preserve Your Furnace or Heating System

When you buy a new house, you need to preserve your heating system from the beginning.

Have your furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified company every two years. But between each inspection, there are a few things to do to preserve your heating.

First and foremost is to clean or replace the furnace filter. The filter protects the fan from hairs and dust being absorbed into the furnace. So not only does it increase the life and efficiency of your furnace, it improves your room's air quality.

Next, you should clean your system's vents. The longer unwelcome particles remain in your system, the more damage they will do.

Finally, in the winter, keep your thermostat at 68 degrees when you are home and lower it when you are sleeping or away. This keeps your heating bill lower yet still provides for a comfortable atmosphere.

Be energy efficient and save money at the same time!

The cost of living is rapidly rising across the globe. Saving energy and reducing bills is a priority for everyone right now. Learn about Conner Homes’ Earth Sense program for more details.