Home Improvement Projects That Can Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency 

Homeowners are not only concerned about updating their home’s curb appeal; they are spending money to make their home more energy-efficient. Home renovation spends have been rising over recent years. According to a report by Axiom, 90 percent of homeowners and DIYers said they plan to spend more time on DIY home projects in 2021, while 56 percent said they plan on hiring a professional. The number of homeowners looking for green homes is also rising – buyers are willing to pay more for homes with green features, including energy efficiency improvements. Not only are these improvements great for boosting your home’s resale value (if you choose to sell); they can work out much cheaper for you as a homeowner in the long run. Whether you’re looking to transform your home, improve your energy usage, or raise the curb appeal of your property, here are a few go-to home improvement projects that will boost your energy efficiency at the same time.

Replace And Reseal Your Windows

According to the Department of Energy Energy Savers plan, homeowners should work with an energy auditor to calculate a Home Energy Score for their home. This will give you a current assessment of your home’s energy efficiency and a list of home improvement projects to help your home use less power. Ultimately, this will save you money on energy bills, as well as conserve the world’s resources. The organization also recommends taking a Whole House Systems Approach to optimize energy efficiency in your home.

This includes inspecting and improving the insulation and air sealing for your windows and doors. Poorly-fitted windows and gaps in seals are responsible for large amounts of heat loss. Estimates say that heat loss through windows is responsible for residential heating and cooling use. Before replacing your windows, check for any air leaks. Replacing your windows is also a great opportunity to update your home’s décor. There are many different window designs to choose from. Picture and bay windows allow a lot of natural light while adding a decorative touch. Adding exterior shadings such as blinds or awnings can also help to reduce heat gain.

Install Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures

Another way to improve energy efficiency in your home is to install low-flow plumbing accessories – a home improvement project you can do yourself. Low flow showerheads and faucets reduce water consumption by up to 60 percent. Some models are also motion-activated, which means they shut off automatically when not in use. As a bonus, replacing bathroom fixtures and fittings is an easy home update that boosts your home’s value for as little as $70.

For larger home plumbing improvement project, you can also install a low flow or dual flush toilet. It has been claimed that dual flush technology can save up to 70 percent more water than a traditional low-flow model. Finally, installing a tankless water heater is a good way to save on heating costs.

Update Your Lighting Fixtures

A simple way to update the look of any room (and an easy way to reduce energy usage) is to swap your lighting fixtures. For a sleek, modern look, a contemporary pendant light always works well. For the energy efficiency aspect, swap out your light bulbs for CFL or LED ones. This simple change can reduce your lighting’s energy usage by 50 to 75 percent. This does not necessarily mean you need to buy new fixtures. Homeowners can update their lighting fixtures with some spray paint, or by changing their light shades.

Transforming your home’s décor and boosting its energy efficiency does not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, simple home improvement projects like these can make all the difference – both to your home’s look and to its carbon footprint.

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Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
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