Increasing your resale value is easy when you save smartly

Investing in home improvements is a smart idea when you're thinking of putting your home on the market. So where is the best place to spend your money?

While it may be tempting to make cosmetic home improvements including decorating touches or fresh coats of paint, upgrading vital home systems such as heating and cooling can really pay off. In fact, making smart improvements can help you save money on your utility bills now, while increasing your home's value to potential buyers later on down the road.

Heating and cooling is one of a home's biggest costs, accounting for more than half the average home's utility costs, which means it makes good sense to make efficiency improvements that positively impact your budget every month. And for the long term, potential buyers want assurance that basic home systems, including heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical, are in working order before they buy.

* Heating and cooling: On average, you should consider replacing your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system every 10 years in order to take advantage of the latest energy-saving technologies and cost efficiencies. Replacing your old system with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of up to 20.00 can save you up to 60 percent on your annual cooling costs.

* Home automation: You can also stay ahead of the real estate curve and provide additional value for your home through the use of advanced home automation technology. This technology enables you to remotely manage multiple features and functions of your home including heating and cooling, as well as door looks, indoor and outdoor live video surveillance and storage, lights and shades, via any Web-enabled computer, smartphone or tablet.

* A programmable control: Another way to reduce energy consumption is to install a programmable HVAC control, which can save up to 15 percent compared to traditional non-programmable thermostats. These thermostats make it easier than ever to monitor the indoor and outdoor temperatures of your home. You can also monitor heating and cooling use over time, so you can manage energy and comfort even further.

* Home inspection, repair and advice: As you look ahead to warmer weather for making home improvements, remember that now is an ideal time to purchase a new home comfort system. A qualified HVAC dealer can perform an inspection, advise you on preventative maintenance and make recommendations on heating and cooling systems that best fit your home's needs.