Did you know the average August electric bill in Boston is $103.63? Many hidden energy culprits in your home waste money. The good news: exterior upgrades and home improvements help you save energy and keep more money in your account.
If your energy bills are higher than average, new exterior upgrades can stop energy loss in its tracks. Here are some of the top sources where energy is lost in the home.
#4. Poorly Insulated Attics and Bad Roofing Installation
Your roof and attic can account for 25% of energy lost within the home. A high quality roof with proper insulation can save as much as 20% on your energy bills, and prevent heat from escaping through your attic during the winter.
When it comes to saving energy with your new roof, it’s important that you choose quality and durable materials. These products are a critical key to creating an effective water barrier system for your home and prevent energy from escaping through the cracks.
#3. Low Quality Siding
Outdated siding can have a big impact on the amount of energy that is escaping through your walls. If your exterior siding is made of wood and not foam-backed, you’re likely losing more energy than you realize. Furthermore, wood siding can cause energy loss through studs, which will eventually increase your energy bills when temperatures drop.
#2. Inefficient Entry Doors
Did you know that entry doors contribute to 11% of a home’s air leakage, which affects overall energy efficiency? Although many homeowners overlook entry doors, they actually block outdoor airflow and help maintain a consistent home temperature. This is especially the case when you choose energy efficient entry doors that include an insulated core and energy-saving glass packages. Furthermore, sealing, caulking and weatherstripping add extra barriers to unwanted moisture—which accounts for extra energy saving advantages.
#1. Drafty and Outdated Windows
According to National Fenestration Rating Council, consumers lose around $35 billion in energy dollars per year due to inefficient windows. Drafty windows are perhaps one of the biggest culprits that cost homeowners money, as energy can escape through the frames, sash, and sill.
New replacement windows save homeowners money due to their energy-saving engineering. When you choose new replacement windows from Coastal Windows & Exteriors, they’ll come equipped with built-in airlocks, weatherstripping, and all of the necessary barriers needed to keep your energy bills low-and have the lowest air infiltration rate in the industry. Windows account for 10% of air leakage in a home so make sure you minimize air infiltration while maximizing energy savings and comfort.
Keep in mind that there are other energy-saving components for windows that lower energy bills. For example, argon and krypton gas can help increase the thermal efficiency of your home. These gases denser than air, and they’re inserted between the panes during the manufacturing process. Low-e glazing can also help control solar heat gain through your windows.
As always, we hope you found this blog post informative. If you have any questions about ways to save energy in your home.
