As a homeowner, you might have many concerns about caring for your property. You want it to have a stunning appearance as well as exceptional functionality. One of your biggest concerns may be to find ways to save money while caring for your home over the years.
The little things that you do, or even don’t do, may be leading to higher energy costs, leaving you with less money year after year. Home energy savings are a smart way to cut down your costs while providing you with all the benefits of energy efficiency.
At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled craftsmanship through energy-saving renovations to help homeowners enjoy home energy savings. Through window installations, roofing solutions, siding, insulation upgrades, and more, we can help you maximize your energy savings while minimizing your carbon footprint.
In this blog post, we explore a variety of options to maximize your energy savings at home for years to come.
1. Understanding Energy Efficiency
The basis of energy efficiency is that it involves using less energy to create the same output or results. An energy-efficient home uses less energy to run appliances without sacrificing their productivity.
If you’re looking to save on your energy bills, the best strategy is to invest in energy-saving home upgrades. Here are some of the many ways you can start the process of making your home more energy efficient without causing a negative impact on your comfort.
2. Choose Lighting Wisely
During the day, letting natural light filter into your home will serve to brighten it up and create an uplifting atmosphere. You won’t need to turn on lights and consume energy, though you’ll need to think about the other parts of your home, such as windows-which are discussed below-that may make other systems work harder with the curtains or blinds open.
At night, you’ll need to turn on lights, but rather than light a bunch of candles to save money on energy, you can simply swap your light bulbs out for LED bulbs. Not only do LED bulbs last much longer than traditional bulbs, but they also use less energy to illuminate your home.
3. Replace Your Windows
Older homes typically have single-pane windows that aren’t energy-efficient. Recognizing when to replace windows involves seeing their performance, feeling for drafts, and other metrics that indicate they’re wasting your home’s heating and cooling.
Modern window designs usually feature double glazing, featuring two layers of glass with a gas fill of argon for improved insulation, noise reduction, and energy efficiency. The benefits of triple-pane windows are even greater, though investing in them is best when you plan to stay in your home for many years to come.
Since windows are often one of the primary sources of energy inefficiency in homes, it may be time to make these upgrades. At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we provide a guide on energy-efficient window choices that gives you tips, such as paying attention to window U-factor and what to consider when choosing your new windows.
4. Seal and Insulate Your Home
In the event that the windows on your home are on the newer side, you may be losing energy through cracks and gaps that develop over time. These are most commonly found around your windows and doors, though there are other areas where air leaks will form. If you have them sealed, it will allow the rest of your home to function efficiently.
In your attic and your walls, adding more insulation can also help by keeping the ambient temperature at your desired level of comfort. The siding on the exterior of your home also plays a role. It may have damage that needs sealing, or it could be old and need replacing.
Insulation throughout your home is one of the most important energy-saving upgrades as it prevents heat from escaping during the frigid winter months while keeping your cooled air inside during summer. Many HVAC systems incur more wear and tear to keep up with heating and cooling demands, all because of a lack of insulation. By correcting the deficiencies in your insulation, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency for the long haul.
5. Use Smart Thermostats and Plugs
Of all the appliances in your home, your HVAC system is one of the most important, designed to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. However, it also uses the most energy, and failing to address that could wind up costing you more.
While you’ll need to care for your heating and cooling system through regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently, changing your thermostat to a smart thermostat can provide additional benefits. You’ll gain energy savings by being able to control it from anywhere. Plus, smart thermostats can adjust their settings based on how many occupants are in the home and control the airflow for specific rooms.
Smart plugs are another great energy saver for your home. They’ll turn off appliances that aren’t in use, which translates to even greater savings.
6. Use Window Treatments for a Cooler Interior During Warmer Weather
In the winter, heat loss can wind up costing you a fortune to warm your home. During the summer, your windows and any deficiencies in insulation will make it much harder for you to keep your interior cool and comfortable. This will cause your HVAC system to work overtime to compensate, potentially leading to costly breakdowns and the need for an early system replacement.
Window blinds, shades, and drapes can help diffuse the impact from the sun’s rays and take some of the burden off your air conditioner. Blackout curtains are great for reflecting heat out of your home, though when drawn shut, they’ll block out that natural sunlight. If your windows are older and causing your home to feel hotter, you should learn more about energy-efficient and insulated windows that will help solve the problem.
7. Choose Energy-Efficient Roofing
Replacing your roof is a big investment, though when it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s a project that must be done. Most insurers won’t cover old roofs due to the risk, either. Making these energy-saving renovations for your home can help on all fronts.
New roofing materials are better at insulating your home and keeping it comfortable. You can pick shingles that have added UV protection and reflect the harsh heat and rays from the sun away from your home. Another great option is metal roofing, as it lasts much longer than traditional asphalt shingles and is great at insulating your home. It’s also low-maintenance, allowing you to have greater peace of mind in your home for many more years ahead.
If you’re planning to live in your home for a while, making this energy-efficient upgrade is worth it. You’ll soon reap the many benefits of having a new roof, and if you’re planning to sell soon, it will be an added attractive feature to homebuyers who want a move-in-ready home.
Insulation and ventilation for your roof are other key factors, and ensuring these metrics are in place, whether you’re getting a new roof or maintaining the one you have, is vital. Keep up with roof maintenance as well to prevent air and water leaks from making your roof less efficient.
8. Solve Your Siding Woes
Many homeowners don’t realize how big a role siding plays in keeping their home energy efficient. Siding is most often seen as part of the design and style of the home, and while that’s certainly true, it also helps insulate it. When the siding is cracked, either from age or damage, it can’t deliver its promise to protect your home.
If you have worn siding, water and pests can intrude. Over time, these things can put your home’s structural stability at risk. It’s a much more costly issue than taking care of it, though even well-maintained siding will need to be replaced at some point.
When you have aging siding, you should upgrade it to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Siding can also be fitted with insulation layers that will further improve the interior temperature of your home. It’s another way you can keep your prized HVAC system from overworking itself, plus new siding will also instantly revive the appearance of your home.
Take a look at your siding, and if it’s damaged or old, don’t wait to replace it. You’ll protect the structural integrity of your home and keep it safe from water damage and pest problems. Pinnacle Home Improvements can help you review your siding options and expertly install these energy-efficient materials that enhance your home’s beauty and energy efficiency.
9. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you need new major appliances such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, or it’s time for a new HVAC system, you can save more money by buying energy-efficient models. Look for Energy Star options, which will have the logo displayed, and that will help you narrow it down from the vast selection of products.
Incidentally, Energy Star logos will be on your window options too, allowing you to find the best match for your home. You can easily see which is the right choice for your local climate and start enjoying greater energy savings.
10. Turn Off Lights and Unplug Devices Not in Use
In addition to making updates to your home through energy-efficient home renovations or products, you can develop a simple habit that will save you money. All you need to do is remember to turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Over time, it will help you waste less energy and keep your bills lower.
It’s also wise to unplug any device you’re not currently using. If that sounds like a lot of work, you can refer back to that smart home technology, which can automatically perform these actions for you, reducing your energy costs.
11. Add Solar Panels for Renewable Energy
While it’s not an option for every homeowner, if solar panels are available to you, they may be worth considering. They can provide a more resilient power supply, creating a stable balance of renewable energy. This will cut your costs without having to limit your energy usage and lower your electric bills all at once.
It’s wise to look into all the benefits and drawbacks of solar panels, as they may not be right for everyone. As they become more widespread, it may be easier to have them added to your home to reduce your energy usage without hindering your energy needs.
How Pinnacle Home Improvements Helps You Save Energy
All homeowners need to think about living more sustainable lives. It doesn’t just help the planet. It helps save you money by not wasting energy. By updating your home with home upgrades that save energy, you can reduce energy costs while lessening the impact you have on the environment.
Pinnacle Home Improvements is a leader in innovative and eco-friendly renovations for homes. If you have an older roof that needs to be replaced, drafty windows or doors, siding that’s cracked and old, or other issues, it’s time to review the many ways you can enhance your property and your energy savings.
We’re committed to delivering unparalleled craftsmanship in every home renovation project by using the best materials that are rated for energy savings. There are so many ways we can help you cut these costs and fall in love with your home all over again. When your home is starting to age, don’t let it waste away. Start by taking on these projects to beautify your home, improve its structural stability, and make it more energy efficient.
We’re here to show you all the ways we can make this happen and prepare you for years of worry-free homeownership ahead. Contact Pinnacle Home Improvements today and let us give you a free quote on the energy-efficient home improvements that we can provide.
