There are a lot of benefits to owning your own home and in today’s market; it has never been more affordable. Not having to work with landlords, landscaping your own backyard and painting your house as you deem needed— what could be more exciting than making the jump from renter to first-time homeowner? Getting swept up in all the excitement is a wonderful feeling; however being a homeowner can be a little daunting.

When you first buy is the perfect time to walk through a checklist of ways to make your home comfortable, while keeping an eye your for your finances. In a recent article I read on contractor Danny Lipford, and Honeywell Home Environment, I thought these tips  to offer added comfort and money savings tips for new homeowners was something to share.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful gases that can be emitted by some paints, solvents, cleaners, adhesives, furniture, and shelving. When using products that contain high levels of VOCs, open windows or, better yet, turn on an air purifier that has a VOC pre-filter to help remove VOCs from the air that passes through the unit.

Set back your thermostat about 10 degrees when you’re away from home for 8 hours or more. You could shave as much as 10 percent off of your energy bill without sacrificing comfort. When you are at home, try turning down the thermostat a few degrees and use a portable heater in the rooms you are in the most. You’ll save money and stay warm!

Don’t forget homes need water too—that’s where humidifiers help. Humidifiers offer solutions during the dry winter months to help protect valuable wood furniture from drying out and cracking and prevent wood floors from buckling and separating.

Pollutants like dust and mold that settle in the home can be attributed to poor air circulation. A whole room fan should be used to ventilate the home properly.