Remodeling your home with energy-efficient upgrades may help transform your home into a more sustainable and cost-effective living space. There are several ways to remodel your home to not only enhance your home’s functionality and appearance, but to also significantly improve its energy efficiency.
Understanding Energy Efficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “homes and commercial buildings consume 40% of the energy used in the U.S.” Americans typically spend $2,000 on energy each year but “$200 to $400 could be going to waste from drafts, air leaks around openings and outdated heating and cooling systems.” Evaluating your home for opportunities to make energy-efficient upgrades could help you save money and be more comfortable.
When you remodel your home with energy efficiency in mind, the focus is on making design, construction and material improvements to reduce the overall energy consumption of your home while saving money.
This may include upgrades or improvements that could perform better in terms of heating, cooling, lighting and other utilities.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Upgrades
With a goal to minimize waste and optimize energy use, some additional benefits of energy-efficient home upgrades may include:
- Potentially saving money on utility bills
- Reducing energy consumption
- Increasing your home’s value and appeal
- Improving air quality
- Maximizing the use of natural resources
Assessing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Conduct a DIY energy audit or work with a professional to evaluate your home to see what specific steps you could take to make your space more energy efficient. This may include walking through your home or checking areas like windows and doors for drafts or duct issues.
What are the Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Your Home
Although there are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, here are six basic areas to start. These tips from the U.S. Department of Energy may help you save money and reduce the amount of energy you use.
Be sure to prioritize your upgrades based on your budget, how much energy you consume and your own personal preferences.
Clean Heating and Cooling Options
Whether you purchase new heating and cooling systems or upgrade what you already have, these appliances may use more energy than other systems in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper maintenance or upgrades to insulation or air sealing systems may cut energy costs from 20% to 50%.
Consider a high-efficiency HVAC system which may include a variable-speed heat pump or high-efficiency furnace. A ductless mini-split could also be more functional for smaller spaces.
Water-Efficient Fixtures
An energy-efficient tank water heater or on-demand tankless water heater may help cut expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating is the third largest energy expense or an estimated 12% of utility bills. Another way to save some money is to use less hot water or to turn down the temperature on your water heater.
A low-flow toilet and faucet may also be an option to help reduce water consumption. Plus, they’re designed to work just as well as other traditional models.
Smart Thermostats and Lighting
Programmable thermostats may help to save energy by “automatically regulating your home’s temperature while you’re home, asleep or away,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That may translate into 10% savings on energy bills. Smart lighting may also help to reduce energy waste.
Insulation and Air Sealing
When your home, attic or basement are insulated properly, it may help reduce heat loss and gain. Materials like spray foam or blown-in insulation may be installed in attics, walls and floors to help keep your home cool in the summer and warm enough in the winter. The estimated energy savings from reducing air drafts could be anywhere from 5% to 30% per year.
Consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows or triple-glazed energy-efficient windows to improve insulation, reduce heating and cooling expenses and reduce noise. Replace old doors with a storm door or a tighter seal.
LED Lighting and Light Fixtures
Installing energy-efficient lighting could be a way to reduce energy consumption and costs. The average household uses about 10% of its energy budget for lighting and, with newer technologies, you may be able to reduce lighting energy use by 50% to 75%.
Recessed lighting is energy-efficient when used with LED bulbs. By upgrading traditional incandescent recessed lights to to LED or CFL lights you may use less energy and have to change lighting less often.
Skylights are another way to bring more natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the daytime.
Solar Panels
Installing solar panels may help reduce your electric bills. As a renewable energy source, they may help reduce your reliance on the electricity grid too. Solar panels are able to power appliances, heating systems, lighting and more.
Installing solar panels may also increase the value of your home and provide long-lasting benefits to you with low maintenance costs.
Financing and Incentives for Energy-Efficient Upgrades to Your Home
When you’re ready to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, it’s important to know your budget. Although some upgrades may require high upfront costs for things like HVAC systems, solar panels or insulation, these investments may pay off in the long run by lowering your monthly energy bills. Financing options and incentives may be available to help make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.
Tax Credits and Rebates
There are a wide variety of tax credits and rebates at the federal or state level that may help to offset the cost of upgrades and provide a return on investment.
State and local governments may offer additional incentives and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.
Financing Options
Financing options may help make energy-efficient upgrades to your home more affordable. Consider loans, grants, and financing programs specifically designed for energy-efficient upgrades.
You may also be able to finance your project through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) or personal loan.
Call Straight Line for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Planning and prioritizing your energy-efficient upgrades may help you achieve your goals and save money on your utility bills! Our team can work with you to identify areas for improvement and prioritize energy-saving upgrades that are right for you and your budget. Contact Straight Line Construction today for your free quote and consultation.