A theme many homeowners are going after is energy efficiency. They are tired of paying for sky-high bills even if they are only using a few appliances at a time. This is why whenever homeowners have the chance to renovate, they tend to go for projects that will improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Improving your home’s energy efficiency is good for your wallet, your family’s convenience, and the environment. It’s like hitting three birds in one stone when improving your home with energy efficiency in mind. For starters, you can consider the following projects to turn your home into a more energy-efficient living space.
Go for an Energy Audit
If you are not sure what projects are worth investing in to achieve energy efficiency, consider an energy audit. This is the process of inspecting the property to check what areas need improvement. An inspector will conduct the energy audit and recommend the best improvements you can go for.
You also have the option to do an energy audit yourself. This may not be as detailed as a professional home audit. But you can identify the problem areas where you are likely wasting energy.
For starters, you will need to locate air leaks, check your home’s insulation, spot ventilation issues, and inspect your lighting and HVAC system. Focus on your home’s major systems during the inspection. With an energy audit, you improve the house blindly since you already have an idea of what projects will yield the best results.
Upgrade Your Garage Door
Making garage door upgrades may be the last project that comes into mind when improving your home’s energy efficiency. But then, having the right garage can help you reduce your energy usage whenever you try to use your garage door. Since many Americans now use their garage door to enter the house, it only makes sense to start the renovation in this area.
Improving your garage door is not limited to giving it a new paint color. Sure, your old garage may now be sporting chipping paint and rusty sides. But if you want an instant boost in curb appeal while improving home energy efficiency, you can start with a garage door improvement.
Thankfully, many local companies can restore or install a new garage door for you. It does not matter if you are looking for a residential garage door opener or a foam insulated one. With a newly installed garage door, you can ensure that your garage stays well-insulated no matter the weather.
Consider Installing Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans add a rustic touch to any home. They do more than enhance your home’s comfort. These can also help you make your living space more comfortable during the warm and cold seasons.
Not many people are aware that they can change the direction of their ceiling fan. When a ceiling fan rotates counterclockwise, it creates a wind chill perfect during summer. During winter, make it rotate in a clockwise direction to draw the cold air up.
With ceiling fans, you can give your air conditioning units a break. They don’t require high energy to operate. Also, these help add to your home’s aesthetic, making them quite a cost-efficient investment.
Invest in Cool Roofing
Think your roof could now use a replacement? Numerous options allow you to get the most out of your new roof. Cool roofing, for instance, can be a good investment if you are after one that will help boost your energy savings.
Cool roofs help reflect more sunlight compared to other roofing options. These absorb less heat, which means your home stays cooler. Your HVAC system does not need to work overtime to ensure the house stays cool.
Note that not all cool roofs are white. The common types of cool roofs are tiles, sheet coverings, shingles, and reflective coatings. You also have the option to upgrade your existing roof by investing in reflective materials to enjoy the perks of cool roofs.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
One way to enhance your home’s heating and cooling efficiency is by upgrading your old thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, there is no need to manually adjust your home’s temperature. You can control your HVAC system and set it in timers for your own convenience.
Programmable thermostats make it possible for you to set your desired temperature ahead of time. This helps put less stress on your HVAC while improving your family’s comfort. With this handy device, you can lower your energy usage, which means more savings in the long run.
These days, homeowners are about having an energy-efficient home. Thankfully, improving the house is made easier thanks to the many innovations made available in the market. You can start with an energy audit, so you will know for sure what the best projects are worth investing in.
