6 Renovations to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
You’re about to start the huge project of renovating your home. Maybe the house has a couple decades on it
and needs to be updated, or maybe you feel ready for a change. Either way, you might as well save yourself
money by making your home more energy efficient in the process.
Here are six simple and effective renovations to lessen your carbon footprint.
1. Install Additional Insulation
Experts say many homes do not have enough insulation, so start making your home more energy efficient by
adding more insulation.
This renovation’s difficulty varies according to your home’s design and architecture. But even bulking up
your attic insulation will make a difference in both your power bill and your carbon footprint. If possible,
add insulation to your finished basement, floors, ceilings, and walls as well-you should notice a major
difference in your home’s comfort and energy savings.
2. Seal Air Leaks and Ductwork
Air and heat escape through any leaks or cracks in a home. In fact, this issue accounts for most
abnormally high energy bills.
When you renovate your house, check every nook and cranny for leaks and seal them up. Check around the
windows and doors in particular. You may also find leaks around outlets, in chimneys, in recessed lighting
fixtures, and in the attic.
Old and leaky ductwork can make certain rooms, like attics and crawlspaces, stuffy and uncomfortable. Seal
the ductwork when you add insulation to ensure airflow actually gets to these rooms rather than staying in
the walls.
3. Update Windows and Doors
Newer windows and doors prevent heat transfer and air leakage to make your home more efficient. But before
you update your home’s windows and exterior doors, make sure that the size, style, location, and design fit
into your final renovations plans. Updates that do not match the end goal for your home’s design simply make
the process longer and more difficult.
Once your door and window plans fit with the rest of your renovations, consider energy-efficient designs.
Most windows come as two panes these days, which can make a considerable difference if you’re replacing old
windows. Talk to a windows and doors contractor about other energy-efficient options as well.
Don’t forget to use your windows as natural lighting during daylight hours once you install them. This
tactic reduces electricity bills and naturally heats your home in the winter.
4. Choose Low-Flow Spouts and Showerheads
If you’re adding in new bathrooms or replacing old showerheads, consider installing low-flow showerheads
that use less water and cut down on your water bills. These fixtures maintain the same water pressure without
creating excess waste. Go the extra mile and install low-flow faucets in all your sinks as well.
5. Upgrade the Water Heater
Water heating represents one of your largest expenses when it comes to energy bills. To save money and
energy, upgrade your old water heater to a new high-efficiency model. This way, you won’t have to wait as
long for your water to heat. For even greater efficiency, talk to a contractor about relocating the water
heater so it sits closer to the shower, washing machine, or dishwasher.
6. Upgrade Heating and Cooling Systems
The only expenses higher than water heating are space heating and cooling. Older HVAC models have to work
harder to maintain or change your home’s temperature, so they take more energy.
Choose from the many models specifically designed for energy efficiency. Also, consider installing a
programmable thermostat and ceiling fans to help drive down energy costs.
These renovations represent the most basic and easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient. Talk
to expert contractors in each industry about your options and get started on your renovation plans today.
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