Home remodeling projects aren’t the sort of thing homeowners do every day. After having one project done, homeowners can wait several years between projects, unless it urgently needs to be done. So when the time comes to do some remodeling around the house, it’s only natural that many homeowners would want to make the most of it.
If you’re thinking about doing a remodeling project, why not see if there are any other projects that could be done at the same time to help make your home more energy efficient? That way, you can enjoy the improved functionality of your home and reap some the benefits of improved energy efficiency. If you have a home that was built before the 1970s, there may be many options to help make your home more efficient. Here are a few of the most common ways people choose to
Adding Insulation
Adding insulation is, by far, one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It’s estimated that as many as 90% of homes in the United States don’t have enough insulation. The older your home is, the more likely it is that your home is under-insulated. If you’re having some work done in your attic, maybe it’s a good time to consider having extra insulation added to the attic. Although some types of insulation can be added with nothing more than a small opening in the wall, if you’re having a project done elsewhere in your home which involves opening up your walls anyway, perhaps it would be a good opportunity to add insulation.
Replacing Windows and Doors
Windows and exterior doors are another important way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Not only do they help protect your home from the elements, the older they are, the more likely it is that you have doors and windows that aren’t as energy efficient as modern ones. Getting vinyl replacement windows and fiberglass or steel doors are all great ways to make your home significantly more comfortable and will help lower your heating and cooling bills.
Water Conservation
Working on your kitchen or bathroom? Now would be a perfect time to replace sink faucets, shower heads, and any other fixture that uses water. Low-flow options are very widely available at home improvement stores. This is a very easy and inexpensive project to have done, so you don’t have to worry about it putting you significantly over budget. Plus, it will help you save a lot of money on your water bill in the long run.
These are just a few of the most popular ways homeowners like to remodel for energy efficiency. If you’re not sure if any of these are right for you or want to consider some more options, have a professional energy audit done on your home. A professional energy auditor will come to your home with sophisticated tools and equipment to give you a lot of insight to your home, helping you avoid the guesswork and trial and error of trying to figure out what needs to be taken care of. The results of your energy audit will be very helpful in trying to figure out which steps need to be taken next.
