If you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home ? who doesn?t these days? ? you have lots of options. The benefits of this quest include slashing your power bills, improving the indoor comfort of your house and minimizing harm to the environment.
Your options for making energy-saving upgrades to your home range from simple and inexpensive (switching to LED bulbs or installing a smart thermostat, for example) to large-scale home improvement projects. But, unless you have a pile of money tucked away to make your upgrades, you must?explore your options and?choose wisely to maximize your cost savings while staying within your budgetary guidelines.
So which of the many available upgrade options proves the best energy efficiency bang for your buck?
Increase Your Home?s Insulation to Maximize Energy Efficiency
Hands down, you?ll get the biggest boost in your home?s energy efficiency by maxing out the insulation in the walls and attic.
Good insulation prevents the heat from escaping your house during the winter and keeps it out during the hotter months of the year.?This means you don?t need to run the heat or air conditioning as much to achieve indoor comfort.
Install Energy Efficient Windows to Lower Your Power Bills
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your home?s windows are responsible for as much as 30 percent of your?heating and cooling bills. Reducing the energy lost through the windows will reduce your power bills and make your home more comfortable.
Replace your windows with high-performance models that have a high Energy Star? rating to maximize your home?s efficiency. If that?s not in the budget this year, consider adding radiant barrier glass film as well as sealing your existing windows.
A Home Energy Audit?Can?Identify Other Ways to Increase Energy Efficiency
To identify other effective ways to reduce your energy consumption, schedule a professional home energy audit.
During the audit, a certified professional will evaluate your windows, duct system and vents, insulation and HVAC system to identify areas of inefficiency. The audit will also identify areas where air leaks are present, such as around and under your?exterior doors.
Once the results are in, you can qualify for rebates to help offset the cost of your home improvements, which can potentially reduce your power bills by up to 40 percent.
For homeowners in Utah, Wyoming and Southern Idaho, call on the experts at?GreenHome Specialties?for your home energy audit and energy-efficient upgrades. Our experienced team specializes in helping both homeowners and business owners reduce their power consumption. We can recommend upgrades that qualify for available rebate programs, allowing you to make those?residential improvements you?ve been thinking about.
Contact GreenHome Specialties today to learn more about how you can increase energy efficiency in your Utah home.
