A Greener is a More Comfortable Home
With more attention than ever on green initiatives, homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient. And there has never been a better time to switch to green energy solutions for your Twin Cities home.
At Budget Exteriors, we work with green manufacturers to help homeowners reduce their monthly energy costs and their household energy footprint at the same time. Give us a call to learn more about greener home improvement options for your home!
Here are some ways a greener home can mean a more comfortable one.
Understanding Your Home’s Energy Footprint
The United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency annually works together to provide energy-saving product recommendations. For example, a well-insulated home has a thermal envelope, essentially an invisible protective bubble of insulative materials that surround the home and minimize heat transfer.
Your home’s insulation and siding are its first line of defense against air and water infiltration and help comprise its energy footprint along with your windows, doors, and roof. Older homes and homes with poorly installed or inefficient materials can often have a higher footprint than newer homes.
Getting a Home Energy Audit
If you believe you are using too much energy in your home, speaking to a professional is just what you need. A professional exterior remodeling contractor can conduct a home energy audit to evaluate your home’s energy footprint.
A home energy audit can reveal leaks you’d have never found without a specialized eye, especially in those homes that were never meant to be energy efficient. The audit may involve a blower door test, the use of an infrared camera, a check of the home’s vents, such as the water heater or furnace, and an insulation inspection.
The average price of a home energy audit is $200 to $400, but it is a long term investment in the energy efficiency of your home. By getting a real look at your home’s energy use, you can work with a professional to make the appropriate changes that actually work.
Benefits of a Greener Home
But why is it important that we understand the energy efficiency of our home? Fortunately, it’s much more than lowering the energy bill each month, which is, of course, a great benefit.
Decreased Air Leaks and Drafts
If your windows and doors are too drafty during winter, this could contribute to excessive energy costs and discomfort. Electrical outlets and floors are frequent places to find cold air leaks, often when you’re walking around your home on a cold winter night.
When you live with these unnoticed air leaks in otherwise innocuous places, you unknowingly lose hundreds of dollars every year. You may be turning up the heater or air conditioner with the belief that you’re just colder than usual or that your system isn’t working as it should. Taking steps to search for and stop air leaks makes your home both more green-friendly and comfortable.
More Consistent Temperatures
When you’re at home, whether it’s a warm day or a cold one, you expect to be comfortable. Especially when you have equipped your home with the necessary heating or cooling system, you don’t want to feel the discomfort of air leaks and drafts where comfortable air consistently leaves your home.
So, when you update your home to reduce its energy footprint, you’ll say goodbye to inconsistent temperatures. That means no more walking from a sweltering bedroom to an Arctic kitchen. Enjoy more consistent temperatures throughout your home with increased energy efficiency.
Less Wear and Tear on Your HVAC System
In addition to making your home more comfortable, replacing outdated siding, windows, and doors and updating your insulation can help to extend your HVAC system’s lifespan.
When your home is inefficient, your heating and cooling system is forced to work harder than it should. This can lead to your system wearing down early, costing you in terms of expensive repairs or needing a replacement prematurely.
Build a Greener Twin Cities Home With Budget Exteriors!
How much are you spending on your monthly energy costs? If the answer is “too much,” it may be time to evaluate your home’s energy footprint.
To connect with our Budget Exteriors contractors about making your home more comfortable and efficient this winter, give us a call at 952-887-1613 or contact us online.