Heating and cooling a house takes a lot of energy. Whether you are looking to improve your home’s efficiency to save money on utilities or to lower your carbon footprint, these three strategies can have a significant impact on energy consumption.
1. Fill Gaps and Cracks
Small gaps and cracks in a home’s exterior can lead to major airflow leaks. When that happens, you are paying to heat and cool air that ends up outside. Check around the foundation and doorways for spaces that could be a problem. Use caulking or spray insulation to fill them and minimize leaks.
One often overlooked place that is notorious for allowing air leaks is around outlets and switches. The small gaps created by wiring and electrical boxes create the perfect opportunity for air to flow in and out of your home without you even realizing it. Find out about adding foam insulation around outlets Chalfont PA to limit this problem.
2. Increase Attic Insulation
The attic is another place where air loss can really cut into your energy-saving efforts. Older homes are especially vulnerable to this problem since older insulation materials compress over time, becoming less effective. Measure the depth of your current insulation to determine its R-value. This will give you a good starting point to see what needs to be done. There are numerous different types of insulation available, so you should take the time to decide which is best for your situation.
3. Invest in a New Roof
Older roofs can absorb large amounts of heat from sunlight, transferring it directly to your home’s interior. That is why upgrading to a newer, energy-conscious roof material can boost a home’s efficiency. If you live in an area with high temperatures, it might be worth the investment to install a cool roof. For others, simply choosing a reflective material or lighter shingle color is sufficient.
Installing a new roof, boosting insulation, and sealing cracks are all helpful ways to increase a home’s energy efficiency.
