The focus on home renovations has been growing since the beginning of the pandemic, and it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. With so much time being spent inside, homeowners want to make sure their homes are running efficiently.
With continued consumer interest in sustainable living, there’s also been a focus on renovations and upgrades that will cause energy bills to decrease. Making these green updates doesn’t only benefit your energy bill but can also give your home a higher value, which is excellent if you ever decide to sell.
If you’re planning to make renovations to your home, here are some of the best reno projects that will save you money on your energy bill.
Install energy-efficient Windows
It can be difficult to tell whether windows need replacing. Typically, windows can last for about 15 years, but other than age, there are few obvious signs that your windows aren’t performing at their best. Telltale signs of disrepair are if the frame is warped, showing signs of rot, or there is condensation forming regularly that can’t be wiped away. Another sign is if you’re noticing drafts in your home around your windows.
Heat gain and heat loss through windows cause approximately 25 to 30 percent of residential cooling and heating energy use. When getting new energy-efficient windows, it’s crucial to find the best-rated window company to ensure that they’re manufactured and installed correctly so you get all the benefits from them as intended.
Add Insulation to Your Attic
Insulating your home’s attic is easily the most cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and see an improvement in your energy bills. Attics experience the most heat loss in a home. It should only cost a few hundred dollars, and you’re sure to see a drop in your energy bills as soon as the weather gets cold. As an added benefit, you may qualify for a tax credit based on the cost of the insulation, depending on where you live.
Go with Low-Flow
A great way to reduce your energy bills is to install low-flow options throughout your home. We’ve all had disappointing showers where we’ve struggled to rinse out the shampoo under a small trickle of water, but low-flow shower heads use smaller holes that manage to keep good water pressure while using less water. Installing low-flow toilets also helps to save water in a way you won’t even notice. These changes can save a significant amount of water and have a huge benefit on your bills with no noticeable sacrifice on your part.
If you’re planning to renovate and make improvements to your home, it makes sense to choose projects that will increase your home’s energy efficiency and make a noticeable difference in your energy bills. Focus on these areas to see your energy bills plummet.
