Everything You Need to Know About Exterior Energy Savings for Energy Awareness Month

Did you know that October is Energy Awareness Month? Your home can quickly turn into an energy vampire while sucking your bank account dry. This is especially true for the 2023-2024 winter, with both Farmers’ Almanacs predicting a cold and snowy season. The good news is that energy-saving tips for fall can help you keep your home more comfortable through this season and for a lifetime.

 

What is Energy Awareness Month? A Brief Backstory

National Energy Awareness Month is an effort to educate both kids and adults on the importance of using energy and sustainability as well as recognize how energy production is used.  Energy Awareness Month is yet another opportunity for us to teach you about home energy savings….especially in relation to our exterior remodeling products.

Energy Saving Tips For Fall: Replacement Windows

How To Save Energy With Windows

• Make sure that your windows are engineered with at least double pane glass, if not triple pane. Single pane windows do not effectively block the transfers during the fall and winter.

• Inside the glass panes, you should have argon or krypton gas. These clear, odorless gases provide insulation and further prevent heat transfer in the winter.

• Low-e, an invisible application on the glass panes which allows the sunlight to help naturally heat your home during the winter. In the summer, the application is reversed and it prevents your home from heating up like an oven.
• Check for drafts, leaks, and gaps around the window frames. This is responsible for allowing energy to escape during the winter, which causes your HVAC system to work in overdrive. You’ll want to choose windows with the lowest air infiltration ratings to create an airtight seal. However, understand there’s no such thing as a 100% airtight window. Only a solid wall can lock all airflow. Click HERE to learn about which windows have the lowest air infiltration windows in the industry.
• Opt for professional window installation. This is incredibly critical for the windows’ performance. It is too easy to make even a slight incorrect measurement on your windows, which can result in substantial energy loss.
• Windows should contain insulated frames. The foam inside the frames fills the hollow cavities that would otherwise allow extra energy to escape. Not only does the insulation provide superior thermal performance, but it also can help improve the structure of the window.
• Make sure your windows are certified by Energy Star. This is a government-backed program that guarantees performance and potential energy savings for homeowners.

Replacement windows are known to help with home energy savings. However, another area to look at with your home’s thermal envelope is your siding.

How to Use Vinyl Siding as an Energy Saving Solution

Now let’s discuss how your exterior siding can impact energy savings. As one of our top energy-saving tips for fall, consider replacing outdated and underperforming exterior with vinyl siding.

Here’s how it can help with saving energy:

• Your exterior serves as frontline protection to the elements. Vinyl siding is not susceptible to those elements, meaning it will remain as a protective shield to your exterior through all seasons.
• Vinyl siding panels should be installed evenly and flush against the exterior. Tend to any loose siding panels, as it exposes your exterior to the elements which can result in damage or energy loss.
• In addition to flush installation, it’s important to make sure your siding is not damaged with issues such as cracks or holes. This can cause the vinyl siding to otherwise underperform.
• Vinyl siding should also contain foam-backing–the right way to side your home! This insulation increases the R-value of the product, which is important for keeping your home warm in the winter. Insulated vinyl siding increases R-Value by up to 80%!
• The insulation also protects heat transferred from the wood studs, which also result in energy loss. In fact, this is where 25% of a home’s energy can escape.

Keep Your Home Protected from Autumn Moisture Damage with James Hardie® Fiber Cement

During Energy Awareness Month, you don’t want to forget about the cold and damp weather that comes along with it. You want to ensure you’re buying the best possible product when you choose to re-side. Fiber cement costs less than wood, doesn’t attract pests, and resists water absorption to help protect against mold, swelling and cracking—keeping your investment beautiful longer.

Consider James Hardie® fiber cement siding with HardieWrap®. HardieWrap® is an incredible moisture barrier that keeps your home comfortable and dry.

Meanwhile, by installing HardieWrap®, taping the seams, and flashing the windows you can create an air barrier to prevent air leakage.

Energy Saving Tips for Roofing

Thanks to our incredible quality products including GAF roofing, we are here to help you protect what matters most. Whether it’s for a comfortable homeschool setup for remote learning or you simply want a warmer home this fall, we have you covered!

Everyone knows that new roof installation keeps you dry. However, it also creates a warm and cozy home in the fall. Here’s what you need to know about home energy savings with your roofing:

• Look for any missing shingles or curled shingles. This exposes the roof deck to the elements and can possibly result in moisture damage, eventually compromising performance in terms of energy savings.
• Your attic should be the same temperature as the outdoors. Why? Because if your attic gets warm in the winter, it can result in potentially dangerous ice dams. It also signifies that your roof is not properly ventilated.
• A well-ventilated attic is a key to energy savings with your roof. Allowing cool winter air to pass through your attic keeps the rest of your home cozy in cold temperatures.
• Energy Star warns you to never cover your soffit vents with insulation. This blocks airflow from circulating in the attic, which makes the attic and roofless energy efficient.
• Energy-efficient ROOFS can lower energy bills by up to 25%.

Save Energy with Solar Roof Shingles

Did you know that a well-installed solar roof here can potentially cover up to 100% of the average home’s energy consumption? These shingles are noted for their electrical and mechanical robustness, ensuring homeowners can experience lower energy bills in every season—even under diffused light and shade conditions.

Here’s how Solar Roofing Systems can improve your home’s energy efficiency:

• Aesthetic Integration: Unlike the large and bulky solar panels, solar roof shingles maintain the traditional roof shingles’ appearance, ensuring your home retains its aesthetic charm.
• Minimal Maintenance: Solar shingles require little to no maintenance, making them a hassle-free energy solution.
• Superior Protection: They offer market-leading impact and wind resistance, safeguarding your home against extreme weather conditions.
• Mold Prevention: Solar shingles are designed to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, maintaining a healthier living environment.
• Efficient Installation: They are installed directly on roof sheathing, ensuring optimal integration with the roof structure.

Enjoy superior protection from Certainteed’s warranty advantage. Crafted with excellent materials, we stand by the slogan “quality made certain, satisfaction guaranteed.”

Even More Energy Saving Tips for Fall

Your windows, vinyl siding, and roofing can make an incredible difference with home energy savings. To finish off the list, we’re sharing all of our top tips in the graphic below!

Celebrate Energy Awareness Month with a Free 3D Preview of Your Home

What better way to celebrate Energy Awareness Month than with new roofing, replacement windows, or vinyl siding? Take the celebration to the next level by seeing your home for free in 3D! Enjoy up to

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