10 Home Upgrades to Make in 2024

Are you looking for ways to enhance your living space? Whether your goal is to increase the value of your home or simply make it more comfortable and efficient, the right HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades can make all the difference. Explore 10 top-rated home upgrades to consider in 2024.

1. Install a Backup Generator

The last thing you want when the power goes out is to be caught unprepared. A backup generator is the key to keeping the power on, safeguarding your home and preventing interruptions to your daily life.

Installing a backup generator is an investment in peace of mind. It powers the lights so you’re not left in the dark. It also keeps the refrigerator running to prevent wasteful food spoilage. Plus, it ensures your heating or cooling system continues to work, maintaining a comfortable living space regardless of weather-related power outages.

2. Modernize Your Pipe Materials

Home upgrades that add value often focus on replacing outdated products and materials. If you have older pipes made of cast iron, galvanized steel, or clay, consider replacing them with modern options like PEX, copper, and PVC. These newer pipe and drain materials are more resistant to corrosion, tree root intrusion, and high water pressure, reducing the likelihood of clogs, leaks, and bursts.

3. Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating your hot water pipes is a cost-effective home improvement with multiple benefits. First, pipe insulation minimizes heat loss as water travels from the water heater to faucets and fixtures, saving on energy bills. During the winter, insulation reduces the risk of pipes freezing and bursting, a common issue in Utah homes that can lead to expensive repairs. This simple addition also minimizes condensation on cold pipes, preventing mold and other moisture-related problems.

4. Replace Worn-Out Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures experience a lot of wear and tear over time. Installing new, efficient faucets, toilets, and showerheads transforms the functionality and appearance of your kitchen and bathroom. Modern fixtures reduce water usage without sacrificing performance, lowering your water bill. They also come in various styles and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your home.

5. Use a Better Air Filter

The furnace air filter does many things. First and foremost, it prevents dust and debris from settling on sensitive HVAC equipment. If you use an efficient enough filter, it can also clean your indoor air.

HEPA filters are the highest-performing option, able to trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter. This level of filtration is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, but it may require a fan speed adjustment to avoid straining your heating and cooling equipment. If your HVAC system is not compatible with a HEPA filter, you can still enjoy excellent performance from a mid-range filter, which balances airflow and filtration for the best of both worlds.

6. Upgrade to HVAC Zoning

If your family constantly argues over the thermostat setting, or you notice drastic temperature differences from one room to the next, you could benefit from HVAC zoning. This solution offers personalized temperature control across different areas of your home, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Zoning uses multiple thermostats and ductwork dampers to heat and cool specific rooms. You might keep public areas comfortable during the day, then shift the bedrooms to an ideal setting at night. You might also maintain a cooler home office and a warmer nursery so everyone’s comfortable. Zoning is particularly beneficial in homes with varying occupancy levels, expansive windows, or differing personal comfort preferences among residents.

7. Boost Comfort with a Ductless Mini-Split

Maybe one room is especially difficult to keep comfortable. That’s where a ductless mini-split comes in. This unit provides flexible heating and cooling without ductwork, making it perfect for home additions, renovated spaces, or areas where traditional HVAC systems are impractical. Mini-splits are mounted to the wall or ceiling, where a built-in air handler quietly heats or cools the room. You can even connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor condensing unit for customizable comfort throughout the house.

8. Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you want greater control over indoor comfort and energy use, this is the year to upgrade your HVAC system with a programmable thermostat. This affordable investment lets you set your heating and cooling system to operate based on your daily schedule. This way, you only heat or cool your home when occupied.

For even more savings and customization, consider a smart thermostat. The ability to change the temperature remotely maximizes comfort, convenience, and energy savings. With a learning model, you can sit back and relax while the unit learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature automatically according to your needs.

9. Put in a Whole-House Humidifier

Utah has notoriously dry air, which can wreak havoc on your health and home, especially in the winter. A whole-house humidifier alleviates dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and static electricity. Proper humidity also preserves wood floors and furniture, protects sensitive electronics from static shocks, and helps houseplants thrive. The system works in tandem with your HVAC equipment, distributing moisture evenly throughout the house.

10. Replace Your Furnace or Air Conditioner

If your existing furnace or AC is outdated, or you want to install central heating and air conditioning for the first time, 2024 could be the year for an HVAC system upgrade. A new heating and cooling unit will operate more quietly, provide better temperature control, use less energy, and improve indoor air quality. In short, this upgrade increases home comfort and value.

Contact Triple T for Home Upgrades This Year

If you decide to make any of these valuable home upgrades, Triple T Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can make it happen. Our family-run business provides fast, efficient services without sacrificing quality. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, drawing on 50 years of experience and ongoing employee training to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Our 24-hour response time and commitment to honesty, integrity, and respect make us the ideal partner for your home improvement projects in 2024.

If you’re a Washington County resident, please call 435-275-4011 to schedule HVAC or electrical services with us today. Additional plumbing services are available to Utah County residents, who should call 801-798-7711 to schedule services. You can also contact us online with any questions.