If you own a home, there are most likely some things that you have neglected in your house during the past year. This might have happened because you were too busy to deal with it, or you might have simply forgotten about it. Whatever the case may be, the new year means it is time for New Year’s resolutions. Here are some 2014 New Year resolutions you should consider this year:

1. Purify Your Indoor Air

The quality of indoor air is one of the biggest environmental hazards, according to the EPA. This is because indoor air contains many potential contaminants, including viruses, pollen, mold spores, and dust. When you have all of your doors and windows closed tightly in the winter, the problem is at its worst. These tips can help you to get rid of harmful lung irritants that are located in your home:

• Clean single rooms with a portable air cleaner
• Always burn real wood, not pressed wood products
• Excess humidity, smoke, and cooking fumes can be removed by using localized ventilation in your bathrooms and kitchen

2. De-clutter & Get Organized

If you’re tearing your hair out from the lack of space, it’s time to get rid of some clutter in your Ann Arbor home. You can eliminate clutter by placing high shelves between narrow hallways. Use the areas located between wall studs and under staircases to store a lot of the junk you have taking up the space in your home. You can buy a shoe organizer to help clear up additional space. Drawers can also be installed in the toe kicks of your kitchen cabinets.

3. Curb Your Home’s Water Use

An average of 400 gallons of water each day is used in every house. This amounts to sewer and water expenses of $700 each year. To avoid this, try the following things:

• Install low-flow toilets to help you save $90 in water costs. High-efficiency toilets use electric water pumps and compressed air to flush less than a single gallon of water.
• Low-flow showerheads allow the water pressure to remain high while reducing the flow of water. They are easy for an average person to install.

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4. Cut Energy Use

Energy prices can have a tendency to drain your wallet. Insulate and seal all of your duct-work. This can help you to save up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling costs each year. The savings could be $200 or more. You should use metal-backed tape or duct sealant to seal holes, seams, and connections at floor registers and vents.

5. Use Maintenance-Free Materials

For any maintenance, you should use materials that are designed to be durable. Here are some materials to consider:

• LED bulbs: They last 20,000 to 50,000 hours. If they are used for three hours every day, they will last for roughly 18 to 46 years.
• Fiber-cement siding: It resists rot, insects, fire and dents. It is weather-proof and will last for 50 years.
• Ceramic tile: It is resistant to moisture and stains. It will last for decades without needing to be replaced.

Start the New Year with Your Home Resolutions

Rome was not built in a day. Take your time and tackle these resolutions one by one. Before you know it, you will be living in a cleaner house. Your energy bills will also be significantly less. The new year will mean making your home a better place to live.

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