Here are a few examples of minor and not-so-minor home improvements that can help reduce your homeowners insurance premium.

• HVAC: Your out-dated heating or air condition system may be costing you a significant amount of money. A newer heating system is less likely to overheat and cause a fire, and is likely to be more energy efficient as well. Newer air conditioners have better seals to protect coolant from leaking into your air supply, and are also more efficient. As well, modern heaters and air conditioners generally come with programmable thermostats, making it easier to set a specific temperature and stick to it, as well as to make sure the heat gets turned down at night, and the air conditioner isn’t cooling an empty home, but kicking on just soon enough to give you a comfortable atmosphere when you arrive. Not only will the safer systems reduce your insurance, you’ll likely save money on utility bills as well.
• Smoke Alarms: Did you know smoke alarms are supposed to be replaced every ten years? If you have smoke alarms already, replace them; if you don’t – add them. They’re very inexpensive, and can save your life as well as saving you up to five percent on your insurance bill. Want to be even saver (and save a little more)? Add a carbon dioxide detector to the mix.
• Home Security: A monitored burglar alarm system can net you a five percent discount on homeowners insurance, as can the installation of something as inexpensive as the common deadbolt lock. Another way to save money and increase your insurance savings is to add exterior illumination, in the form of uplighting or motion sensing lights, to your home. A brightly-lit home is a safer home, and safety = savings when it comes to insurance.
• Windows: The ideal window, from an insurer’s point of you is both double-paned and shatterproof. The first will help reduce your utility bills, by keeping cooled or air inside, where it should be, while the second will reduce the likelihood of a burglar, a storm, or a game of baseball shattering your glass. Impact-resistant doors may help reduce your premium, also.
• Plumbing and Wiring: If you’ve lived in your home for more than ten years, consider updating your plumbing and wiring. Modernizing either one makes them more durable and safer, and may even mean you’re up to code (making it easier to sell your home down the road), when you might not have been before. You could save up to fifteen percent on your insurance bill by upgrading both systems, or between five and ten percent by only retro-fitting one.
• Roof: Storms, hail, tree sap, and damage from birds and squirrels are just a few of the reasons you may want to consider replacing your roof. In some cases, your insurer won’t just reduce your premium, they’ll kick in a significant portion of the cost of the roof.

Other home improvements to consider are less structural in nature. For example, replacing your old dishwasher or refrigerator with newer, safer, Energy Star appliances could get you a small discount, as could replacing your old furniture with flame retardant models.

There are many ways improving your home can also improve your finances, but it’s important that you consult your insurance agent before proceeding with any renovations, just in case specific materials or documentation are required.