From Guest Blogger Lizzie Weakley: Six Home Renovations to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

It’s time to go green! Being energy conscious is something more and more homeowners are focusing on when it comes time to renovate. Even if you are doing major renovations in Surrey, Port McNeill or even in the southwestern United States, the aim remains the same when it comes to energy conservation. Keep these tips in mind when you’re looking over your home and preparing the list you’ll discuss with your renovator.

Storm Windows

If you don’t have the available budget to have a complete window renovation done, consider adding storm windows. They function similarly to double pane windows with the added benefit of providing extra protection against harsh weather conditions. Storm windows have a multitude of styles, and this is a cost-effective way of giving your home’s exterior an updated look while adding to energy efficiency.

Insulation

Did you know that about half of the homes in the United States are under-insulated? Think of what that could mean for your area. Insulation not only aids in lowering heating costs, it also prevents a rise in air conditioner usage by keeping the temperature of the interior air stable. Having your home properly insulated will reduce heating and cooling costs.

Efficient Doors

Hollow metal doors actually conduct heat to regulate the temperature around them. This means if you have a hollow metal door as your front door, during the winter, your heating costs can increase as natural regulation occurs. In summer, you may have to turn up the air conditioning due to the door regulating hot air into a cooler space. Replace hollow doors with solid doors, wooden or metal, and reduce the energy consumption.

Water Heaters

Water heating can account for anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of a home’s energy budget. By replacing your current water heater with an energy efficient model, you can reduce your energy costs and still maintain the same hot water usage that you require. Replacing a water heater is one of the simplest methods to begin reducing your energy consumption.

When you’re preparing for your home renovations, you will want to consult with your renovation team and collaborate on the budget and end result desired. A good design and construction business will be ready to go over your requested renovations with you on a step-by-step plan. With even these simple renovations and a good team applying an eye for detail, you can reduce your energy costs and apply the savings towards the next renovation you have in mind.