Home remodeling isn’t just about increasing the aesthetic appeal of your home, it’s also about improving the functionality of your home and making it more energy-efficient, which benefits your health and lowers your utility bills. It can help you save money in the long run while improving the look and feel of your home, too. In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), doing simple home renovation Atlanta projects in your kitchen and bathroom could result in up to 20% savings on your utility bills each year.
Whether you’re worried about your home’s resale value or concerned about how much you’re spending on utilities, there are many different ways to remodel your home to make it more energy-efficient. From increasing the insulation in your attic to choosing the right windows, here are some home remodeling Atlanta suggestions that will help keep your bills low while making your house feel more comfortable and healthier at the same time.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making your home more energy-efficient and saving money on utility bills every month!
Think About Insulation
The best way to make sure your house is getting as much benefit as possible from what you pay for in utility bills is by making sure it’s well insulated. So, whether you are planning the entire home remodel or just the kitchen renovation Atlanta, you must consider the insulation if you want to make your home more energy-efficient. But with all of today’s great options out there—foam insulation and fiberglass insulation, cellulose, and fiberglass batt insulation—it can be challenging knowing which one makes sense for your home renovation project.
For example, some types are suitable for attics or walls; others are better suited for crawl spaces or ventilation. It will take some research on your part to understand which type of insulation makes sense in different areas of your home.
Consider Rooftop Solar Panels
Rooftop solar systems are becoming increasingly popular all around the world. People undergoing home renovation in Atlanta or building new homes are opting to install solar panels! A roof can be an excellent place for solar panels. However, the size of your roof does matter—if you don’t have space for at least five kilowatts worth of panels, it probably isn’t worth going solar. You should also calculate how much money you’ll save from going solar; if it doesn’t outweigh your upfront costs and installation time frame, then again, you might want to reconsider.
Remember that calculating payback times is more complicated than simply dividing the cost of a system by its energy output over time. That said, in general, rooftop solar systems are an excellent way to make your home more energy-efficient. They’re less expensive to install than other options, like ground-mounted PV or wind turbines. They can even benefit property values. One study found that homes with rooftop solar saw a bump of one percent in value after one year with their panels installed.
Turn Down the Thermostat a Few Degrees
Setting your thermostat back a few degrees, whether you’re at home or away, can make a big difference in your energy usage. A recent estimate by one utility company found that turning down thermostats during overnight hours could save customers more than $200 annually. The same advice applies during home remodeling Atlanta. If you’re upgrading your electrical system and considering installing new programmable thermostats that can be controlled remotely, think about installing them now—you can start saving energy right away. It might seem trivial, but every degree counts when it comes to home energy savings.
Change Exterior Doors
Wood doors typically have a U-value of .30, meaning that they allow .30 units of heat through for every unit of warmth put in. By contrast, fiberglass doors are only .10 (energy efficient), while metal and vinyl doors can be as low as .07. That may not seem like much, but it all adds up over time. By switching your exterior doors to ones that are at least 30% more energy-efficient, you’ll see instant savings on your energy bill—which means cash back in your pocket faster. Also, make sure your windows are in good shape by sealing up any leaks with weather-stripping. Not only will you keep warmer air in during winter, but also cooler air out during summer. This can help you save between 10% – 15% on your home’s energy costs.
Upgrade Furnace Filters
A low-flow showerhead uses about half as much water as a traditional showerhead. If you’re replacing your home’s showerheads anyway, consider installing low-flow models. Not only will it save you money on your monthly water bill, but it can also reduce strain on your water heater. In fact, you can cut down your energy use by two or three percent with just one low-flow model! And don’t worry about having a less enjoyable experience—low-flow models offer comparable comfort and pressure relief, so you won’t miss a thing! Low-flow showerheads are inexpensive, easy to install and quick payback means that these steps might be some of the best energy efficiency improvements for your home renovation Atlanta.
Plant Trees Around Your Home
Trees don’t just make your house look pretty—they also have a significant impact on energy efficiency. Trees around your home provide shade and a natural form of insulation. They help insulate, break up gusts of wind, and provide shade that helps keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Planting deciduous trees around your home’s south-facing windows will create an effective air conditioner on hot summer days, while coniferous trees near heat sources like furnaces or water heaters can reduce energy loss during winter months. Plus, when planted around windows they can also protect you from cold drafts and prevent heat loss through your glass.
Install CFL Bulbs
Whether you are planning a home remodeling, kitchen renovation or just a bathroom renovation Atlanta, it’s excellent to change the old light bulbs of your home with energy efficient ones. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use about 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. This can save money on your energy bill, and it’s not just because CFLs burn cooler—the lower wattage is also a factor. These lights do contain trace amounts of mercury, so it’s important to dispose of them properly when they burn out; check with your local government for regulations on disposal. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends recycling these lights or bringing them to a hazardous waste facility that accepts bulbs, as opposed to throwing them in regular trash.
Replace Windows with Double Pane Glass
Whether you are replacing old windows or installing new ones, consider getting double pane glass. With two panes of glass, your home will be better insulated, reducing drafts and saving you on energy costs. It’s an easy way to make your home more energy-efficient! Double pane glass is a simple, affordable renovation that will dramatically improve your home’s comfort. This type of window also lasts longer than single pane glass, which can add to cost savings over time. Replacing old windows with double-pane glass can save you a lot of money on your utility bills—and increase comfort in your home. Replacing just one window in your home can bring savings of up to 30 percent, which could save you as much as $100 per year on energy costs. You may even be eligible for a tax credit or rebate if you replace older units with energy star qualified models.
Conclusion:
Home renovation is always an exciting time in your life, whether you’re doing it to increase the value of your home or just because you want a new look to match your personality. One of the more substantial costs of owning a home is the ongoing maintenance and upkeep. And one of the easiest ways to cut down on these costs is by making your home more energy-efficient, which can also help you save money and protect the environment from harmful greenhouse gas emissions produced by fossil fuels and other energy sources.
However, if you’re looking to make your home energy efficient in Atlanta, the above are the ways to do that without sacrificing comfort or style. Whether you are simply looking to make your home more comfortable or save money on your energy bills, contact Homednb! We have vetted contractors to help you make your home energy-efficient with little hassle and even less expense.
