Energy efficiency has somehow become a standard in building a home to minimize environmental impact. This is especially true as builders and homeowners work together to create a dream house that’s functional, practical, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Suppose you’re looking into renovating your current home. Having energy-saving upgrades could be a smart move. Aside from helping the environment, you can expect huge savings from your usual household bills. On top of that, you could also boost your home’s value.
That said, here are energy-saving upgrades you can consider in your upcoming home project.
Installing New Windows
Your home’s windows serve a lot of purposes. Aside from giving you a nice view of the outdoors or your neighborhood, it allows natural light to brighten up the interior of your home. Windows also facilitates good cross-ventilation, which can enable passive cooling during hot days.
With that, look at your windows to check if they’re serving you well. If your home’s interior feels gloomy or stuffy, it may be time to install new windows. With new windows, you can allow more natural light inside, reducing your reliance on lighting fixtures during the day. This can also give your home’s façade a lift to make it look fresh and new.
Aside from revamping your home’s aesthetic appeal, having new windows could also mean an opportunity to upgrade its thermal efficiency by opting for double or triple-glazed glass panels. Double or triple-glazed windows are excellent thermal and sound insulators. They can help block excess heat from the outside while maintaining the right temperature indoors. And with that feature, your home’s heating and cooling system could be more efficient. As a result, less energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Replacing Roof
Replacing the home’s roof is another upgrade homeowners can make to save energy and increase property value. The roof is one part of the home that’s heavily exposed to harsh outdoor conditions. And over time, it may degrade, especially without proper maintenance.
When you install a new roof, pick an eco-friendly and energy-efficient material. One of the most sustainable roofing materials you can consider is sheet metal. It’s durable and long-lasting, saving money on early repairs and tedious maintenance. They also come in light colors, which can be suitable for deflecting heat, especially if you’re located in sunny regions. This material works best when combined with proper insulation.
On the other hand, tile roofing and asphalt shingles are also excellent choices. Although they could be slightly more expensive than metal roofs, they’re also efficient in saving energy for heating and cooling. They also help increase natural ventilation and absorb less heat than other materials.
Improving Insulation
Improving the home’s insulation is one of the keys to lessening energy consumption. If the insulation isn’t enough, maintaining indoor temperature takes much more power. This could lead to massive wastage of electricity and increased bills.
Proper insulation is crucial in maintaining a home in pristine condition. It’s the protective layer between the exterior and interior, making the space pleasant and comfortable for living. Upgrading it also increases the total property value, which is highly favorable for homeowners looking to sell their houses in the future.
Among the most energy-saving insulation types is spray foam. It’s perfect for creating an air barrier that seals your home from outdoor elements. It can also fill hard-to-reach areas and tiny holes other materials usually miss.
Upgrading Home Appliances
You can take your energy-saving upgrades further by investing in eco-friendly and sustainable home appliances. Most modern home appliances manufacturers take pride in their products’ energy-saving features. It includes lower electric consumption without compromising function, perfect for smart homes. Newly installed appliances like the refrigerator, washer, dryer, and AC unit also increase the selling value.
When purchasing new appliances, look for an energy star sticker to guarantee energy efficiency. You can also do some research on their total power consumption online. To test these appliances, you may also monitor your electric bill for the first month of use.
Installing A Solar Power System
Going solar is another worthy upgrade you can do for your home and the environment. If your property is situated in a region with abundant sunlight, installing a solar system can be a good investment. This is especially since taking advantage of this free and renewable energy source can result in major savings down the road.
Despite its upfront cost, the money you’ll save for a lifetime of energy consumption could be worth it. Solar system installation can also increase the salability of your property, especially with the rise in the number of homebuyers looking for green homes.
Wrapping It Up
Upgrading your home for energy efficiency can go a long way. On top of its economic benefits, you’re also lessening the property’s environmental impact. In the long run, it can be a good investment for you and the planet’s future.
