Most homeowners probably agree—the list of house projects never ends. As soon as you cross one item off your list, another item magically appears at the bottom. Some projects, by necessity, require your attention. Leaky faucets need to be repaired, broken deck boards need to be replaced and chipping exterior paint needs to be scraped and painted over. But where does energy efficiency rank on your priority list?
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the many benefits you stand to gain from upgrading your home’s windows, doors and roof to newer, more energy-efficient choices.
The benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient windows
Fog, condensation, drafts, mold…our windows have plenty of ways to let us know they’re tired and ready for a replacement! When you upgrade your windows to an energy-efficient model, you’ll reap a host of benefits:
Energy-efficient windows…
- Minimize drafts
- Minimize heat loss and cold air intrusion, reducing your utility costs
- Reduce ice build up
- Reduce condensation
Also, you may have heard that many double or triple-pane windows contain an argon gas layer between the panes. This brings the window temperature up closer to room temperature which is a great way to ward off drafts, keep heat from escaping and prevent ice buildup.
Another popular energy-efficient option, low-E coatings help reflect heat. They minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass without reducing the amount of light that enters your home. In fact, low-E coatings are thinner than a piece of human hair and can’t be observed with the naked eye! Low-E coatings keep the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting the interior temperatures back inside your home.
The benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient doors
Compared to windows, most homes have very few exterior doors. This makes it easy to underestimate the powerful effects energy-efficient doors can make on your living space…and your wallet.
However,
- A tighter seal around your door helps you minimize leaks and drafts.
- Energy-efficient doors help your home maintain the desired temperature in extreme cold and heat, reducing your utility bill.
- Energy-efficient doors make your living space more comfortable and help your home maintain a consistent temperature from one room to the next.
A new roof helps your home maximize its energy efficiency
Your baseball hat keeps your head cool in the summer by shielding you from the heat of the sun. It also keeps your head dry in the rain. In the winter, your stocking hat keeps you warm by preventing heat from escaping through your head and it keeps snow from melting on your head and soaking your hair when you’re outside on a snowy day.
Think of your roof like a hat for your home.
A new roof helps reduce energy costs and makes your home more comfortable no matter the season.
And when it comes to energy-efficient upgrades, don’t forget about your attic!
However, your roof doesn’t stand alone and it’s important to make sure your attic is well insulated and ventilated to achieve optimal results.
When your attic is properly ventilated, air enters and exits your attic space freely. When cool air flows through your attic space in the winter, your roof stays colder which keeps ice dams from forming and compromising your roof’s integrity. When warm air flows through during the summer months instead of getting trapped in your attic space, it keeps moisture from building up in that space and leading to mold and rot.
Hoyt Exteriors is your home exteriors expert. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can make your home more energy efficient, contact us at 612.212.4965!