Exterior energy efficiency is a key aspect of any home. Working towards better energy efficiency can lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and even make your home comfortable. As a homeowner, you are uniquely positioned to give your home the care it needs, and to keep it as efficient as possible. Here are some practical tips and tricks for how to increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Exterior Energy Efficiency Improvements
One of the first places to start when it comes to increasing the efficiency of your home is with the exterior. There are several ways you can improve the energy efficiency of the exterior of your home, including:
Check your home’s weatherstripping
Assuming your home has weatherstripping (which most do), it might not be doing its job as well as it could be. One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by checking the weatherstripping around your windows and doors. If the weatherstripping is worn or damaged, it can allow drafts to enter your home, leading to higher energy bills. If you do see any cracks or holes in your existing weatherstripping, replace it as soon as possible.
Upgrade your home’s insulation
If you have an older home, the insulation may no longer be sufficient to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Upgrading your insulation can help improve your home’s efficiency and lower your energy bills.
Upgrade your home’s siding
If you have signs of stucco damage or your siding needs repair, upgrading to a more energy-efficient material such as James Hardie fiber cement siding, can help improve your home’s efficiency.
There are a few signs that you may have stucco damage and are in need of stucco remediation:
- Cracks in the stucco
- Missing or damaged mortar joints
- Bubbling or peeling paint
If you see any such signs, you should search for ‘residential siding contractors near me’ and find a professional to assess the damage and determine the best course of action (which is in most cases stucco remediation). New siding installation will not only protect your home from further damage but will also increase its efficiency.
Install daylighting
Daylight is a natural source of light and can help to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Installing daylighting in your home can increase the efficiency of your home and save you money on your energy bills.
Incorporating daylighting into your home can be done in a variety of ways, and the best option depends on how your house is laid out and how much natural light it receives. Installing skylights is one popular option, letting in a great deal of natural light. It is also possible to increase the amount of natural light by adding more windows or even glass doors.
Update the roofing
An old or damaged roof can allow heat to escape from your home, leading to higher energy bills. Updating your roof with a more energy-efficient material can help improve your home’s efficiency and lower your energy bills.
You can do a few things to update the roofing on your home and make it more efficient. Or, do a search for ‘roofing contractors near me’ or ‘roofers downingtown pa’ to get some professional help.
- Check for any damage and repair or replace any damaged shingles.
- Consider adding an insulation barrier to help keep heat in during the winter and cool in during the summer.
- Make sure that your gutters are clean and unobstructed so that they can properly channel water away from your home.
Upgrade your windows
Old or inefficient windows can also allow heat to escape your home, leading to higher energy bills. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help to improve the efficiency of your home and lower your energy bills.
When upgrading your windows, keep these things in mind:
- Consider the frame material. The material of the frame can affect the energy efficiency of the window. Wood is a good insulator, but it can rot over time. Vinyl is durable and low-maintenance, but it doesn’t insulate as well as wood.
- Look for energy-efficient features. When shopping for windows, look for features that help with energy efficiencies, such as double or triple-pane glass, argon gas filling, and low-E coatings.
- Get professional installation. Once you’ve chosen the perfect windows for your home, make sure they’re installed properly by a professional contractor. Improper installation can negate all the energy-saving benefits of new windows.
Install efficient exterior doors:
When it comes to your home’s energy efficiency, your doors play a big role. If you have old, drafty doors, they can let a lot of heat escape in the winter and cool air escape in the summer. This means your HVAC system must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which wastes energy and raises utility bills.
Installing new, efficient exterior doors is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Look for doors with an Energy Star label, which means they’ve been certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency to meet strict energy efficiency standards.
Small Ways to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
In addition to the larger exterior improvements, there are also several small steps you can take to boost the efficiency of your home. Some of these include:
Check weatherstripping around windows and doors
As mentioned above, ensuring that the weatherstripping around your windows and doors is in good condition can help to prevent drafts from entering your home.
Use ceiling fans or install them
They can make your home more energy efficient. Ceiling fans circulate air around the room, making it feel cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. If you do not have ceiling fans, you might want to consider installing them. You can make a big difference in the comfort of your home with them, and they are relatively easy to install.
Switch out light bulbs
Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs can help to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
There are a few things to consider when choosing energy-efficient light bulbs:
- The type of bulb: There are four main types of light bulbs – incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), light-emitting diode (LED), and halogen. Of these, LEDs are the most energy-efficient option.
- The wattage: This indicates how much energy the bulb uses. For example, an LED bulb with a wattage of 9 is equivalent to an incandescent bulb with a wattage of 60. The lower the wattage, the more energy-efficient the bulb.
- The brightness: This is measured in lumens. A lumen is a unit of measure for the amount of light that comes from a light source. For example, an LED bulb with 800 lumens is equivalent to an incandescent bulb with 60 watts. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
- The color temperature: This is measured in Kelvin (K). A lower color temperature means a warmer, yellowish light; a higher color temperature means a cooler, bluish light. LED bulbs are available in both warm and cool color temperatures.
Hang curtains
Hanging curtains or blinds on your windows can help to insulate your home and reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Contact Precision Contracting Services to See How You Can Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Home
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to increase the efficiency of your home! Precision Contracting Services is here to help you make those important exterior improvements that can save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
Our team of home renovation contractors and James Hardie certified installers is dedicated to providing 100% impenetrable exteriors that are both beautifully designed and expertly executed. From upgrading your siding to installing energy-efficient windows and doors, we have the skills and expertise to get the job done right. So why wait? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home.
Want to learn more about home energy efficiency in Pennsylvania? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Remodeling Your Luxury Home.