Tips to keep your home energy efficient

Energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to provide the same level of comfort for a specific service or product, such as an HVAC system or plumbing system. By improving energy efficiency, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower utility costs, and develop more sustainable resources to support the environment’s health.

How Do Exterior Features Affect a Home's Energy Efficiency?

Energy-efficient windows and doors create a barrier between the exterior and interior temperatures and seal off airflow to prevent drafts and fluctuations in air quality. Insulation installed during a siding replacement can also help regulate the temperatures inside the home as it absorbs the cold or hot temperature outside instead of letting it seep into the house. These can help lower the cost of HVAC because the system doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate your home’s climate.

Are Energy-Efficiency Projects Worth the Investment?

It’s always important to weigh the pros and cons of investing in a new system for your home. As a homeowner, you know that repairs, new installations, and system replacements are never cheap. So why invest in energy-efficient products if your home isn’t energy inefficient? Think of this investment as a built-in reimbursement program. The upfront costs of siding replacement, a new roof installation, or energy-efficient windows might be more expensive than choosing other products. Still, the idea is that these installations will reduce energy usage and lower utility costs in the long run. You’ll be paying yourself back with what you save in monthly energy expenses.

Symptoms That a Home Needs Better Energy Efficiency

If you’re trying to decide whether or not your home could benefit from more energy-efficient practices or products, keep an eye out for these symptoms.

  • High Energy Bills
  • Ice Dams
  • Window Condensation
  • Warm or cold spots throughout your home
  • Excessive Dust
  • A Hot Attic

Exterior Features That Help with Energy Efficiency

Knowing what to look for to improve energy efficiency is the first step, but educating yourself on fixing these issues with energy-efficient products or features is essential. One of the best ways to create a more energy-efficient home is to invest in exterior features that help keep it sealed and insulated.

  • Insulated Siding
  • Wall Insulation
  • Air Seal Exterior Leaks
  • Energy-Efficient Windows
  • Attic Ventilation

Better Ways to Heat and Cool Your Home

We’ve talked about improving your home’s insulation to help regulate your HVAC system and prevent it from working overtime. There are various other ways you can improve air circulation throughout your home and reduce energy consumption. If you’re looking to improve energy efficiency while ensuring that your home is adequately heated or cooled, consider trying the following:

  • Install ceiling fans
  • Replace air filters
  • Invest in a programmable thermostat
  • Eliminate Incandescent Bulbs

Additional Ways to Be Energy Efficient

  • Be Mindful of Appliance and Electronic Usage
  • Invest in Daylighting
  • Cook Responsibly
  • Change Your Laundry Habits
    • Wait until you have a full load of laundry — medium loads don’t save that much water or energy compared to a full load.
    • Use warm temperature settings on clothes that aren’t very soiled. Warm water requires less energy than hot water; not to mention, it cleans clothes just as effectively
    • Clean the lint trap between each dryer use
    • Instead of using the dryer, consider hang-drying clothes.

The Koala Exteriors experience

Educate: We educate you on the pros and cons of all the options to help you decide on the best siding solution for your home.

Evaluate: We thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior to determine what needs to be done and then provide the best solutions for you.

Inspire: The goal of our work is to inspire homeowners and make them fall in love with their home all over again.

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