5 Home Energy Efficiency Improvements That Can Save You Money
Spring time is the perfect time to address some of those home improvement projects that you’ve been delaying for quite some time. There are all kinds of home improvement projects which you might embark upon, and probably the ones which require repair work should receive greatest priority. However, if you’re looking to undertake some projects that might increase energy efficiency for your residence, there are several really effective possibilities that you can choose from.
Below are some of the most popular home improvement projects of today, and each of these are expressly designed to deliver increases in energy efficiency, and to save you money on your monthly utility bills. Any one of these can result in significant savings for you, and if you choose to tackle two or more of them, you’ll definitely increase the overall savings and you’ll enjoy much improved energy-efficiency.
Replacing your siding
Siding is not one of the components of your home which you tend to think about first, but it’s still very important to make sure that it’s well maintained. If you’ve noticed lately that your siding is looking a little run-down, it might be time to initiate a project where you replace it with modern vinyl siding. Siding is available in a variety of colors and materials, so you’ll have no trouble matching it to the color siding you used to have, or you may want to try something totally different. Either way, new siding will contribute to your curb appeal, and you won’t have to worry about inclement weather causing any fading or cracking. Even winter weather won’t impact modern vinyl siding significantly, and you can count on receiving increased insulation as an added benefit, keeping your family warm throughout the cold winter months.
Window replacement
Spring is also a good time to embark on a window replacement project for your home. Since the caulk that seals your windows adheres better when the weather is a bit cooler, spring is one of the very best times for window installation. Replacing your windows at this time will deliver a tremendous energy-efficiency boost just in time for summer. You’ll be able to keep all your conditioned air inside and ensure that the warm, humid air stays outside where it belongs. This year you may experience lower utility bills, even if your air conditioning system is working frequently to maintain a comfortable interior atmosphere. When you’re considering a window replacement project, you’ll have to decide whether to install standard windows for your home, or whether you want specialty windows, or even custom windows as your replacements.
Insulation upgrade
Rather than feeling drafty and chilly in your home, you should always be comfortable and cozy inside, and one way to do that is by upgrading your insulation. It might be to your advantage to perform a home energy audit first, so you’ll know exactly where the greatest energy loss is occurring. Typically, the attic ends up being one of the biggest sources of energy loss, so that’s where you may need the biggest insulation upgrade. A professional will be able to identify any cracks that you might have which are contributing to energy loss, so it’s best to engage the services of an insulation expert to make sure you get the most value for your investment.
Furnace upgrade
Even though the winter months may be off in the future, it’s still a good idea to have your furnace inspected, to determine whether any kind of upgrades or repairs are needed. Routine maintenance is always a good idea, especially for things like air filters and accumulating grime inside. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it’s a good idea for you to consider whether it might be time for a replacement, or whether some simple maintenance and repairs might prolong its life another several years. If you do end up purchasing a new furnace, you’d be well advised to look for an Energy Star-certified product so you can save the most money on your utility bills.
Replacing your doors
You might be surprised to learn that almost 33% of all residential cooling and heating costs are due to a loss of energy caused by some kind of draft or cracks around doors or windows. It doesn’t make sense to continue wasting money on conditioned air that will just escape the premises instead of being retained to increase your family’s comfort. For this reason, it’s a good idea to think about upgrading your doors to install a more energy-efficient door, and perhaps one that is more aesthetically appealing. You don’t have to install the same plain old door that you had previously, since there are a number of exciting options available to you. You might want to install French doors, sliding doors, or something which is custom-made that really appeals to you and fits your needs. You’ll also have different materials to choose from, including steel and fiberglass, so you won’t necessarily have to be limited to choosing a wooden door. You’ll probably also enjoy added security when you install a new door, since you can make a point of looking for multi-point lock systems to protect your valuables, and your family members all at the same time.