Ready to remodel your home? Before you do, prioritize energy efficiency. That way, you can get the most value out of your home remodel.
An energy-efficient home can be comfortable, affordable, and environmentally friendly. If you plan accordingly, you can remodel your house with energy efficiency top of mind. This allows you to simultaneously reduce your home energy consumption and upgrade your residence’s appearance. It may even help you bolster your house’s value.
Tips to Prioritise Energy Efficiency in a Home Remodel
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to complete an energy-efficient home remodel. Instead, you must tailor your remodel to your residence. This allows you to determine the best course of action to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
Now, let’s look at five things you can do to prioritize energy efficiency during your home remodel.
1. Conduct a Home Energy Audit
Perform an energy audit to define your home’s efficiency issues. Your local utility company may conduct a free home energy audit. Or, local government programs may be available for residential energy audits.
It typically won’t take long to schedule a home energy audit. Generally, a home energy assessment can be completed in one day. During the assessment, an auditor will analyze your home’s exterior and interior. The auditor will look at your home’s furnace and water heater as well. Upon completion, the auditor will provide you with a report that details their findings.
Review the results of your home energy audit carefully. Your audit may reveal that switching to LED light fixtures or adding insulation can help you reduce your home energy consumption. Follow the audit’s recommendations, and you’re well-equipped to improve your home’s efficiency.
2. Use Programmable Thermostats
Install programmable thermostats throughout your home. These thermostats are easy to use and won’t break your budget. Best of all, they help ensure you won’t waste energy when you’re not home.
Set a daily schedule for your programmable thermostats. It helps to create a schedule based on when you wake up, when you go to bed, and when you’re at home during the day.
Adjust your programmable thermostats based on the season, too. By doing so, you can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. Plus, you can keep your energy bills as low as possible year-round.
Furthermore, tech-savvy homeowners may want to invest in smart thermostats. You can use smart thermostats to control your home’s temperature via your smartphone or tablet. As such, you can keep your home at the optimal temperature, regardless of your location.
3. Utilise Low-Flow Shower Heads
Take advantage of low-flow showerheads to boost water efficiency in your home. These showerheads have a flow rate that is much lower than those of traditional options. As a result, they can help you lower your water and electric bills.
It is important to note that two types of low-flow showerheads are available: aerating and laminar flow. An aerating shower head mixes water with air, resulting in a mist-like spray. Meanwhile, a laminar-flow shower head delivers individual streams of water.
Evaluate aerating and laminar-flow shower heads to find ones that meet your expectations. And remember: regardless of what type of low-flow showerhead you select, you can use the device to minimize your water usage when you bathe.
4. Leverage Sustainable Home Remodeling Materials
Choose natural materials for a healthy home remodel. These materials can be used to upgrade your home’s floors, paint, and other surfaces. They can also help you cut down on your home energy usage.
Certain materials have been shown to help homeowners improve their residences’ efficiency. For instance, spray foam insulation offers a viable alternative to fiberglass and cellulose varieties. Spray foam insulation can trap conditioned air in your home, which can help lower your energy usage. At the same time, spray foam insulation does not produce any harmful emissions.
5. Weatherise Your Home
Look for air gaps across your home’s interior and exterior. These gaps are cracks and openings that let outdoor air enter or exit your residence. They may be located around door and window frames and other home areas.
You can identify home air gaps via a visual inspection or as part of an energy audit. These gaps can be small, but they can have far-flung effects on your home’s energy efficiency. Thus, you need to pay close attention to different areas throughout your residence to find and address air gaps.
Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal home air gaps. Moreover, you can install plastic sheets to limit air leakage from windows. You can also upgrade your home windows and doors.
Get Started on an Energy-Efficient Home Remodel
Energy costs are projected to skyrocket in the foreseeable future. By planning an energy-efficient home remodel, you can lower your energy consumption. In addition, you can upgrade your home and boost its value.
Begin your energy-efficient home remodel today, and you can reap the benefits of your efforts long into the future.
