In Idaho: New Home Ideas for the new Year

It's almost a new year, and the perfect time to get organized and do all the things to your Idaho property that you've been dreaming of. Use 2013 as your catalyst to make all the changes you've been putting off.

Topping our list of the best home improvements you can make to your Idaho property this year is de-cluttering. You'll feel better about your home both inside and out, and it's inexpensive. Every year, we naturally acquire mounds of stuff, and without some regular purging, it can get unmanageable and create unnecessary stress. Vow this year to go room to room and throw away or donate anything that you don't use or love. Once you've done that, resolve to keep it simple, and get ready to breathe a bit easier.

Energy Saving Investments

Depending on how seasoned your Idaho property is, it can be a glutton for energy. So, where to start? Take a look at your HVAC ductwork. It's important to understand the role your ductwork has in keeping your space warm, promoting energy efficiency, and saving you money. According to Energy Star, sealing and insulating your ductwork can improve the efficiency of your heating & cooling system by nearly 20 percent over the course of a year. Ductwork can be an extraordinarily cumbersome task as a DIY project, so focus on the ducts that are easily accessible. Use a duct sealant or metal-backed tape to seal the seams, holes, and connections. Upon sealing your ducts, wrap them in fiberglass insulation, found at most hardware stores.

There are other ways to save money on your Idaho property that are much less taxing. Curb your home water use to trim up your annual water bill. Install EPA-certified products such as low-flow showerheads. They reduce the flow without sacrificing pressure, resulting in showers that are just as satisfying without so much water. You can also easily shave money off your bill by replacing that outdated water-guzzling toilet by installing a low-flow toilet. These high efficiency toilets use compressed air and electric water pumps to flush with less than 1 gallon of water. Some older toilets use up to 8 gallons.