Home Upgrades That Can Reduce Energy Loss
The home improvement market has recently become big business as more and more homeowners are looking to upgrade their space. Some of the best and most popular home improvements are those that make the home more energy efficient by reducing energy loss. In this article, we consider three home upgrades that can help you reduce your energy bills, starting with doors.
Energy Efficient Doors
Replacing old doors is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy loss. According to the Department of Energy, a door that’s sufficiently thick (1-1.5 inches) without a window offers five times the insulating value of a similarly-sized solid wood door. By replacing as many doors in your home as possible, you can easily maximize your energy savings. For instance, you can purchase various energy-efficient doors for your garage, patio, or your interior. The goal is to have doors that can effectively prevent indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering. This makes it easier to maintain an optimal temperature and ensures your HVAC system doesn’t work overtime and consume more energy.
Replacement Windows
Energy-efficient windows can also help you significantly reduce energy loss in your home. If your windows are not in the best condition, there’s a high chance they’re doing a poor job of preventing air leaks. When purchasing energy-efficient windows, there are several important factors you have to consider, such as the ENERGY STAR rating. In addition, you should also look for windows that have a low U-factor since these have more thermal resistance, meaning they do a better job at preventing hot air from escaping. This is especially handy in colder climates, where the heating bill quickly adds up.
New Roof
As you go about looking for ways to reduce energy loss in your home, you should consider investing in a new roof. A new roof can prevent energy loss by ensuring there are no air leaks. If your roof is old, it may have many leaks that increase energy loss. For instance, you may have to keep turning your thermostat up during winter to maintain a comfortable environment if the warm air is constantly escaping. Similarly, it may be harder to keep cooler in summer if hot air keeps getting into your home while the cool air escapes.
If you’re looking for home upgrades that pay, you should consider installing energy-efficient doors and windows as well as buying energy-efficient appliances. If you’re looking for energy-efficient doors that can help you streamline your energy savings, contact us today.
