5 Ways to Reduce Energy Loss in Your Home

We’re sure that at some point, you’ve had some “sticker shock” at how expensive it has become to maintain a home. Finding ways to save money is crucial for any homeowner now more than ever. One way to lower utility costs, and potentially save on repairs, is to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Reducing energy loss is a great way to start lowering your monthly expenses, and the cherry on top is that you’ll be more environmentally friendly! Here are 5 ways you can reduce energy loss in your home this summer.

1. Insulate Key Areas of Your Home

You might be pumping the air conditioning to combat the summer weather, but the money you spend on energy bills is wasting away if your efforts are escaping the house. The best way to maintain a perfect climate is to properly insulate your home. Insulation is crucial for the overall health of your home because it helps isolate the interior from the exterior environment. In return, you’ll spend less money on climate control and you’ll be preventing a host of issues related to temperature and humidity.

Home insulation efforts should focus on a few key areas. In addition to the walls and attic, insulation can also be installed in ceilings and floors.

2. Install Energy Efficient Windows

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of overall energy loss in the home. While it may be a larger investment, installing energy efficient windows can help remove stress from other energy systems in the home and lower monthly utility costs.

Due to increased exposure to UV and heat, coastal homes typically have a higher solar heat gain (SHG). In other words, these homes take on more heat from exposure to the sun’s UV rays. To help mitigate SHG, Advance Inc. is a proud provider of energy efficient window brands, such as Okna Windows.

If energy efficient windows are still not enough, consider taking advantage of your blinds or curtains. It might not be ideal to sacrifice some natural light, but closing blinds in areas of direct sunlight can help prevent the rooms of your home from overheating.

3. Weatherize Windows and Doors

There are many ways to improve energy efficiency in the home without spending hundreds of dollars. Windows and doors are often treated with caulking, weather-stripping, and other materials to seal air leaks and reduce energy loss.

Refreshing these treatments throughout the year is essential to preserving your home’s energy efficiency. During routine maintenance, make sure to check caulking and weather-stripping for any cracking, lifting, or gapping.

4. Practice Routine Home Maintenance and Repairs

The most important part of being a homeowner and protecting the health of your home is routinely inspecting, repairing, and maintaining it. Owning a home is a substantial investment and improper care or neglect can turn it into a liability. Fixing minor damages before they become severe problems can help you save money and protect the integrity of your home.

For example, roof repairs and replacements can become extremely expensive, especially if you wait too long. A structurally sound roof is also essential for weatherproofing your home. Any damage to your roof can cause your utility bills to skyrocket and lead to further damage to your home’s interior.

5. Build Better Habits for Energy Efficiency

Do you often forget to turn off lights? Do you tend to leave unused appliances plugged in? While the majority of energy loss is caused by poor insulation or drafty windows, building better energy habits prevents your HVAC system from working harder than it needs to. So, doing small things like shutting down computer systems or making sure the door is shut firmly can go a long way over time.

You should also take note of where your thermostat is located. It might be sensing that your home is hotter than it truly is if it’s in direct sunlight or in a hotter area of your house, and in turn, your air conditioner may be running a lot more than it should. Make sure the temperature surrounding your thermostat is regulated or consider moving it.

Owning and maintaining a home is expensive, which is why it is so important to save where you can. Check out this article to learn about affordable ways to improve energy efficiency.

Ready to Save Money with a More Energy Efficient Home?

Here at Advance Inc., we are proud to offer our community and customers reliable resources and outstanding services. We stand behind our products and installation services, confident that in the long run you’ll save money by using less energy while also enhancing the structural integrity of your home.

Request a free estimate through our website or contact us today to learn more about our window replacement and home insulation services. We are happy to help!