Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
It’s a well-known fact that energy-efficient home improvements can save you a ton of money. Besides the tax credits for an energy-efficient house, you can save money on bills and improve your quality of life. Moreover, in the long-term perspective, energy-efficient home improvements increase your home value. What upgrades are easy to do on a budget that can pay for themselves in the nearest future?
Preserve energy – seal your “home envelope”.
If your house demonstrates the “symptoms”, it’s time to fix it. For instance, extremely hot or cold rooms, ice dams on the roof in the cold season, condensation on exterior walls or around windows, and unusual stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. The reasons for these issues may be leaky “home envelope” (walls, doors, windows, roof, and foundation).
Insulation
Above all, insulation is very important for the internal temperature control of the house. It’s a wise practice to check the condition of your insulation and add an extra layer, especially to the attic. Even newer houses may be under-insulated as some home-builders strive to cut the costs. Adding insulation may seem an overwhelming project, but you can recoup the costs on monthly bills within several years. To clarify, the U.S. Department of Energy has created a fact sheet to help homeowners decide if their insulation is sufficient for their given climate.
Windows and Doors
If your house has the following issues with the windows, it’s time to replace them for Energy Star:
single pane windows or double pane windows with broken seals,
metal frames,
condensation or frost on windows and sills,
air leaks or drafts around windows,
inordinate noise.
In this case call for our expert to evaluate the condition of your windows and determine whether to repair, replace or install storm windows or doors.
Control your energy consumption
Upgrade High-Energy Appliances for More Efficient Versions
If your home is over 10 years old, there is a high risk that your heating, cooling, and ventilating systems are obsolete. With technological progress, it is an essential need to replace major energy-consumption systems every 10 years. The same story with water-heating equipment, you need to replace it with Energy Star Labeled equipment and appliances. Despite obvious energy cost-savings, you’ll realize the advantage of new equipment that is reliable and uninterruptible in operation. No repairs, no headache.
Install Smart Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can save up to $150 a year in energy costs when used properly. It’s our strong recommendation to install a Nest thermostat for several reasons. Nest Thermostats were the first to earn an Energy Star label. Extraordinary easy-to-use Nest App gives you full control over the temperature and associated energy costs. You can keep lower energy consumption while you are away, and get a comfortable temperature before you come home. The energy consumption record provided in the app is a good source of data for making energy-efficient decisions.
In conclusion, these are the basic energy-efficient home improvements. To get more appropriate directions for cost-efficient energy management call for an energy audit of your house.
