I don’t know about you, but these cold months have put my utility bill through the roof! I’m on the lookout for ways to reduce these bills next winter, so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned with you.
A 2015 study conducted by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, Emerging Trends in the Remodeling Market, confirms that projects that promote energy efficiency remain a popular choice among homeowners.
The same study elaborates that as much as 84% of homeowners who responded to the study have completed at least one project that has something to do with energy efficiency — a wide margin over other projects like home health, water efficiency, and use of products with recycled content. Over four out of five responding contractors revealed that 10% of their total revenue is generated by energy efficiency-related projects.
If you’re looking into improving your own home’s energy efficiency, consider the following projects:
Window Replacement
The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that an average-sized home wastes as much as 30% of its energy through inefficient windows. Remedying this is as simple as going for an energy-efficient window replacement in Everett, WA.
The idea is to minimize thermal transfer, and keep the heat where it counts: inside in the winter, and outside in the summer. An inefficient window would let the heat seep through, increasing the load on your heating and cooling systems, which consequently results in higher energy bills.
Perdue Builders and Supply offers ENERGY STAR®-certified windows with energy efficiency features like low-emissivity (Low-E) glass that reflects harmful UV rays, prevents solar heat gain, and lets through almost as much visible light as clear glass, and has frames made from composite material that minimizes thermal transfer.
Front Door Replacement
Doors are functionally similar to windows in that they are both installed on openings on the wall, and are therefore potential points for heat egress. But doors do not require as much glass as windows do, so its energy efficiency features depend more on the material. The method of door installation in Seattle, WA, is also different as front doors typically use hinges.
Doors with fiberglass or composite exteriors strike the best balance between energy efficiency, low maintenance, and aesthetics. If you have to have glazing on the door, spending extra on Low-E glass can be worth it.
Exterior Painting
Believe it or not, exterior painting in Kirkland, WA, can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Certain types of paint are specifically designed for insulating and waterproofing exterior walls or siding. This kind of paint may require special skill sets or equipment, so you will need to hire a house painting specialist for the job.
We’d be happy to help you get these projects and start reducing your energy bills. Call us today at (425) 398-8609 or fill out our contact form.
