Homeowners renovate for several reasons. Some want to beautify their house, either to add personal aesthetic flair or to garner bragging rights in the neighborhood. Others take a strictly functional approach; they want their house in perfect working order. Then, some renovate to add value in the hopes of netting a higher asking price when they sell. But, how about renovating to save money on your energy bill?
What if you could tick off all the criteria above – beauty, functionality, value – while still implementing changes that save you dollars in the long run? The following renovation ideas do just that. If this piques your interest, continue reading to learn more about four renovation projects that save money on your energy bill.
Save Money On Your Energy Bill With These 4 Home Renovation Tips
1. Replacement windows and doors.
The best way to tackle a rising energy bill is to look at your windows and doors. According to the Department of Energy, replacing your windows can save up to $426 a year on your energy bill because they are responsible for 25-30% of residential heat loss.
It isn’t quite as simple as swapping one window for another, though. You need to choose energy-efficient alternatives. Those might include windows with Low-E glass, argon fills, and robust construction. If you do not have the budget to replace all your windows and doors at once, consider the largest windows for maximum money-saving potential. A new picture window, sliding door, or front entry system are excellent options.
2. Motion detecting LEDs.
Thankfully, LEDs are becoming more popular with homeowners. They last longer, shine brighter and use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. If you haven’t swapped out your old bulbs for LEDs, consider doing so.
In addition, you may choose to take the replacement one step further with “motion-detecting” LED lights. These lights sense when someone’s in the room and when someone has left, turning on and off accordingly. For all you homeowners guilty of forgetting to turn the lights off when you leave the house, motion-detecting LEDs save you a lot of money on your monthly energy bill.
3. Added insulation.
Adding insulation to a pre-existing home isn’t easy, per se, but it’s beneficial. If your house is older or has inadequate insulation, you are probably paying the price in your monthly energy bill.
If you are interested in adding insulation for your next reno project, read this article first. It breaks down the fundamental points to consider, including placement (spoiler: the attic is an ideal spot for added insulation) and materials.
4. Low-flow showerheads.
Finally, consider installing low-flow showerheads. They might seem small and inconsequential, but the cost-savings they represent are mighty. The EPA estimates that the average household can save 2,900 gallons of water by installing a single low-flow showerhead. That’s 1180 kWh of power!
Solar Panels
If you want to know more about saving energy then consider, Energy Center of the World, they are experts in renewable energy and green tech products that can be used to renovate your home and save the planet at the same time.
In conclusion.
While replacement windows certainly top the list of energy-saving renovations, all four of these renovation options reduce your energy consumption. Not only are they great for the environment, but they put money back where it belongs: in your pocket. If you have any questions or suggestions, we always love to hear from you in the comments below. Also below are links to more useful and fascinating articles about ALL things DESIGN for your home or business.
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