Making Your Home More Energy Efficient in the New Year
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it’s easy to overlook things, especially with a year like 2020. That is why we want to give you a list of the best ways you can make your home more energy efficient in the new year. Let us put some money back in your wallet!
- Lightbulbs – This may seem like a no brainer, but many light bulbs are out of sight and out of mind. So, you may not realize that you have not switched all of your bulbs over to LEDs. If you are still using incandescent light bulbs, switching could save you over $500 a year! Not only that, but the lifespan of an LED bulb is averaged around 20 years!
- Energy Star Appliances – Many of our clients come to us for major remodels. One of our favorites are kitchen remodels. Often times when you decide to change things up it’s also time to upgrade your appliances. An easy way to save in the long run is to buy Energy Star appliances. Most major appliances account for about 20% of your electric bill. Depending on the appliance, switching over to an Energy Star appliance can save you anywhere from 10% – 50% of annual energy costs compared to standard non-energy efficient products.
- Adding Insulation to Your Attic – Heating your home during the winter months can get expensive, especially with oil and natural gas prices rising once again. According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating an unfinished attic can lower you heating bill 10% – 50%. Now, many homeowners are transforming their unfinished attic spaces into additional living space. Whether it be for a private office, guest bedroom, or playroom – if you are thinking about taking on one of these projects you will want to have your attic insulated differently. Reach out to us for more guidance!
- New Windows and Doors – Have you ever replaced your windows or doors? If you have been living in your home for a long time and answered no, it may be time for you to replace them. Often times the windows and doors are from the original construction, unless recently renovated. That could mean your windows are well beyond the 15 – 20 average year lifetime. Doors begin to have gaps in weather stripping that could lead to heat loss and a higher heating bill. There are many ways to spot if your windows need to be replaced. If you spot air leeks, hear noise from outside, or see condensation between glass panes, then it may be time for a replacement.
- Replacing Your Roof – Your roof can affect your home energy greatly, the newest update is replacing your current roof with a “cool roof” – it is designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat to help save on your air-conditioning cost, keep rooms cooler, and can extend the service life of your roof.
As always, we are here to offer you guidance for all of your building needs. If you need help with any of these projects or others, reach out to us for a free estimate. Let us kick off 2021 right, by making these quick and easy changes that will save you in the long run.
By Katherine Fosella
