When summer finally hits, we’re all glad to have air conditioning in our homes. And unless we can get to the Jersey Shore, those hot and humid days just make us want to stay inside and crank up the A/C. But monthly sky-high energy bills may be a reminder that your home is not as energy efficient as it could be. Like many homeowners in our area, you might not realize you can make your home more energy efficient at the same time you’re remodeling to make it more beautiful.
The Envelope, Please
The materials that separate your home’s interior from the outside elements ─ windows, walls, doors, siding, roofing, and insulation – are called the “envelope” of your home. Ideally, that envelope will be sealed to keep the weather out while keeping heat and air conditioning in. In reality, many homes, especially those built in the 1990s or earlier, have leaky envelopes that are not doing the job. And that’s costing you money. So, if you’re thinking about remodeling, it’s also the perfect time to make some upgrades that will help you save on those utility bills.
Stop the Leaks
A remodeling project that includes replacing windows and doors gives you an opportunity to choose the latest energy-saving products. The increased efficiency of high-performance windows means you can add larger window surfaces to let in more natural light while not wasting energy. Today’s exterior doors and frames also fit better and are better insulated compared to older doors.
The best part is that remodeling enables you to have your new windows and doors installed properly. Unless those new energy-efficient windows are installed carefully, you won’t see the increased comfort or the energy savings. At T&K Contractors, we have the remodeling experience and take the time to install them correctly.
Check Your Attic Too
If your attic hasn’t been converted into living space, there’s no reason to pay good money to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You may not even realize that’s exactly what is happening.
It is not unusual for attic energy robbers like poor insulation and damaged ductwork to steal 20-30% of your heating and air conditioning output. If you knew that 20-30% of the water in your home’s pipes was leaking, you’d call a plumber right away, knowing the cost of the repair would quickly be offset by savings on the water bill month after month. It’s the same with energy leaks in your attic. Fixing those leaks could make a big difference in your finances and comfort.
Making changes like these to the envelope of your home is the icing on the cake of the satisfaction you get from seeing the beauty of your entire remodeling project when it’s completed. They can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the new space in terms of comfort, humidity, and temperature control.
Think about remodeling as a great opportunity to increase your home’s comfort and put money back in your pocket. You’re not just making your home beautiful, you’re making it beautifully efficient! Call us today and we can help you fall in love with your home all over again.