Home improvements aren’t just for maintenance purposes and aesthetics. It can be a way to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce utility costs too. Some upgrades are easy and apparent, like fixing cracks and leaks, but other methods need more effort. The following are some home remodeling activities you can do to help you save money in the long run.
Fix or replace your windows
Repairing or upgrading your windows can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Swapping out old windows with modern high-tech windows can help you lower your energy consumption and carbon footprint. Double pane windows with revolutionary coating technology work by reducing the need for air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, while still allowing you to let in natural light. Make sure to hire reputable window replacement services in Utah to provide you with the right materials and to help keep your windows secure and stable.
Opt for insulated siding
Insulated vinyl siding contains a low-maintenance foam backing that is excellent at retaining heat in the home. By supplementing it with other durable materials like stone, wood, and brick, you’ll be able to secure your home’s envelope and keep it well-insulated. This will reduce cooling and heating inefficiency.
Install a green roof
A cool roof or green roof is an environmentally-friendly roofing surface. Since most homes lose heat through their roof, improving its insulation can keep the temperature in your home stable. This allows you to combat extreme heat or cold. It also protects your roof from costly damage since it can prevent snow from freezing then melting on your roof during the winter season.
Inspect your house for leaks and water damage
Water damage can cause incredibly destructive and costly damage to a home. Heavy storms may reveal leaks, but don’t forget to seek out hidden leaks behind built-ins and appliances. Keep an eye out for mold, mildew, wet spots, and foundation cracks while remodeling your house. These are telltale signs that something is wrong.
Set-up a solar water heater
Waiting for water to heat up in the morning for a shower wastes tons of water. By installing a high-efficiency solar water heater and insulating pipes, you can save money on water without wasting it. An insulated system like this allows water to heat up and move along to the faucet much faster.
Plant shade trees
A house with poor insulation and few windows can be improved with good landscaping. Shade trees can block the sun and heat that otherwise warm your home, while in the winter, branches can let infrared radiation come through.
Go for compact fluorescent lamps
If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, you should consider replacing them with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs can last almost 10,000 hours and only use about 27 watts to generate the same amount of light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb. The lifetime cost of a CFL is roughly one-third of the cost for an incandescent bulb.
Do your part in reducing your carbon footprint while also saving money by making energy-efficient renovations. When it comes to home improvements, a little goes a long way.
