3 Effective Home Upgrades for Saving on Energy Costs
If you are tired of paying for expensive energy bills, you are not alone. Energy is a veritable necessity in modern homes for comfort, convenience and even safety in some cases. One of the more significant sources of energy consumption is related to climate control. The good news is that there are several upgrades available that can help you to dramatically reduce related energy consumption and that can result in tremendous financial savings. By analyzing top upgrades and comparing them against your home’s current features, you can better decide which upgrades to focus your attention on going forward.
Energy-Efficient Windows
While windows enable you to enjoy natural light and even fresh air in your home, they also can negatively impact your indoor climate. Upgraded windows may have a film or coating that reduces the impact of solar heating in the home. They may also have enhanced gas between the glass panels or the third panel of glass for additional insulation. Even the frame of the window can affect energy efficiency. Upgrading the windows is an excellent way to reduce related energy consumption and to potentially improve the aesthetics of your home.
A New Roof
A considerable amount of energy can be lost through the roof of your home. The roof affects solar heating as well as insulating properties. If your roof is older and in poor condition, an upgrade may be beneficial. You may be able to do a full shingle replacement on your own, but other materials may be better to leave to local professional roofers. In other cases, simply repairing a roof that has minor issues is a smart idea and you can often do it yourself. Remember that your home’s roof also affects curb appeal and protects the home from weather-related damage and pest infestations.
Enhanced Insulation
Insulation is something that many homeowners do not think about because it is hidden inside the walls. However, it is essential to your home’s energy efficiency. You may think that the type and quality of insulation is relatively similar, but this is not the case. For example, spray-in foam insulation is superior to most types of fiberglass insulation. Upgrading your insulation is a thoughtful way to bolster energy efficiency, but you should first analyze the type of insulation currently in the home.
As you can see, there are numerous steps that you can take to improve energy efficiency in your home throughout the year. If you live in a climate with more extreme winters or summers, the benefits that these ideas offer can be tremendous. Now is a great time to explore these and other energy-saving ideas in greater detail. You can also learn about potential tax credits and rebates that may be available for some of these ideas.
