5 Home Upgrades That Boost Your Energy Savings
Having a home can be an expensive endeavor, so you want to keep your utility bills as low as possible. Things like air leaks and outdated systems can negatively impact energy efficiency and cause higher heating and cooling costs each month, which will add up over time.
We recommend evaluating the consumption of your usage to start narrowing down areas that you could improve upon to save money. Scheduling an inspection for your home is the best way to conduct an energy assessment. This process will include a walkthrough using specialized equipment to locate areas of your home that are potentially problematic.
1. Insulation
One main culprit is air leaks that can come in through your home. Walls, windows, doors can all contribute over time if not appropriately insulated with weatherstripping, caulking, or foam.
Poor insulation can also be the opposite in the summer when warm air comes in, making your air conditioning unit work harder and expending more energy use. Just based on this one change, you can reduce your bills between 5 to 30% per year.
2. Siding
Another option is to ensure that your attic, basement, or any exterior areas are properly insulated or by adding on new siding. Keeping your home thoroughly sealed will prevent air from coming in or escaping and reduce overall costs.
3. Windows
You may want to consider programmable thermostats to avoid a constant running cycle when not utilizing the selected space. In addition, installing Energy Star products, including doors and new windows, will also help contribute to the monthly bills.
4. Air Ducts
Your home’s air ducts can also contribute to a waste of energy if they are not connected properly or are poorly sealed or insulated. Checking for holes or gaps and missing insulation can prevent losing heated air before it reaches the internal space of your home.
5. HVAC and Other Appliances
If you have an outdated HVAC system or need maintenance, this can cause problems as well. Having energy-efficient items in your homes such as tankless water heaters or energy-efficient variations can help more energy efficiency.
Other Options to Consider
There are multiple ways to lower your energy consumption each month, and upgrading your appliances is one of the primary choices. There are other alternatives, such as Energy Star light bulbs or fixtures, and getting an assessment on your home is a great starting place.
Let Lightning Restoration Help You Get Started
Creating an energy-efficient living space will help promote more peace of mind and less stress when you get your bills each month. Another bonus to introducing upgrades to your home is the increase of the property's overall value, which can be beneficial for resale.
Anytime you are considering interior or exterior remodeling, you want a company you know you can trust. Lightning restoration offers multiple services, from roofing repair to storm damage restoration. We've been in business for over 30 years, and our primary goal is to provide our local community with the highest quality customer service around.
If you would like to schedule a free inspection, click here or give us a call at 651-460-9407.