If you live in an older home with original roof, windows, and siding, chances are you probably know the cost of heating and cooling your home are high. Old doors and single pane windows are ineffective, wasting money in the form of lost heating and cooling. Making upgrades on your home can significantly reduce these costs. According to www.energystar.gov, you can reduce the cost of energy bills by up to 15% by replacing old windows and doors with energy efficient ones.
From basement sealing to roofing repair service, we’ve compiled a few home improvements that will help save money on the cost of energy bills from the ground up. They can even add value to your home in the process. Keep reading to learn more.
Basement Waterproofing
Many homeowners, especially those of older homes, must contend with leaky basements on a pretty regular basis. In areas where there are heavy annual rainfalls, homeowners with leaky basements must also worry about flooding any time there is a storm.
The greatest benefit of a waterproof basement is that it doesn’t leak. A leaky basement can be the culprit for various other problems, such as mold, mildew, and even foundation cracks. All of these affect the property value of your home. A waterproof basement takes care of the leaks and prevents further foundation damage and future mold issues.
Once your basement is dry, it affords you the opportunity to finish your basement and transform it from a dank, dark space that people avoid into a livable space where you and your family can enjoy spending time. The possibilities are endless. You could build a game room, a home theater, a playroom for the kids, or even a guest bedroom for when the in-laws come to town.
Siding Repair
When properly maintained, siding can last for as long forty years. When siding begins to wear, break, and crack, it can begin to have an effect on the energy efficiency of your home. Worn out siding can also contribute to a loss of up to 10% of your home’s resale value.
Over time, it is commonplace for siding to fade due to oxidation from the elements. This causes the siding to become less vibrant than it originally was. Siding also begins to appear dirty and may become harder to clean as time wears on.
New siding installation will not only boost your home’s curb appeal but it will also improve the energy efficiency of your home by sealing any cracks and gaps that let heat or cool air escape. This ensures that you don’t spend more than you have to on the cost of heating and cooling your home. New siding will also improve resale value in the event that you choose to sell.
Energy Efficient Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to decreased energy efficiency in a home. Old doors and windows tend to have gaps and spaces from years of wear and tear. They simply don’t work as well as they once did when it comes to keeping your house at a comfortable temperature year round. Single pane glass is notorious in causing loss of energy efficiency.
Besides better efficiency and reduced energy costs, there are other benefits of replacing your windows and doors with newer, energy efficient ones. These benefits include the reduction of maintenance, smoother operation, easy cleaning, increased home value, and the reduction of outdoor sounds coming into your home. Best of all, new windows and doors improve the overall aesthetic of a home and make it a more attractive place to live.
New Roofing
Last, but certainly not least, are new roofing materials. Your roof is the first line of defense against inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and hail. Over time, these elements of nature do a number on a home’s roof.
Your roof is also a key component in energy efficiency. Heat rises and therefore escapes through the roof of a home. If a roof is in need of new shingles or roofing tiles, then there are most likely gaps and spaces where heat — and money — can escape. This loss of energy efficiency can be remedied by the installation of new roofing materials.
If you think that your home has room for improvement in energy efficiency in one of these areas, don’t wait to get started on a remodel. Contact Pro-Home Services today to learn more about how professional remodelers can change your home today.