Conserving energy at home can be as simple as swapping incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or unplugging the computer when it is not in use. However, a home built for energy efficiency can have an even more significant impact on your family’s energy use.

Taking a look at your home from top to bottom and wall to wall can uncover ways to maximize energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 40 percent of global energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions come from the world’s homes and buildings. Although energy-efficient upgrades and home renovations can seem more costly upfront, the investment can help save money and energy in the long term.

Revisit the roof

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Re-roof your home with ENERGY STAR-rated shingles that use granule technology to reflect the sun’s rays and help keep roofs cooler, resulting in more comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces. In some areas, these shingles also may qualify for tax credits. Owens Corning Duration Cool Shingles help save energy without sacrificing beauty. Additionally, a roofing system that includes proper ventilation helps keep moisture and hot air away from the living space.

Eight out of 10 homes in the United States have asphalt shingle roofs, resulting in millions of tons of potential waste that could end up in landfills each year as homes are re-roofed. Recycling a home’s old shingles is equivalent to recycling a year’s worth of household waste. Visit Owens Corning Roofing & Asphalt’s shingle recycling program to learn how to choose a contractor who will recycle your roof.

Close the window to air leakage

Eliminating drafts can save 5 to 30 percent of a home’s annual energy costs, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Window frames are a common culprit for air seepage. Consider installing new, energy-efficient windows or sealing existing windows to address this issue.

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Strong and durable fiberglass composite window frames are virtually maintenance-free over their long lifetimes, vastly reducing the need for repair or replacement.

A complete solution from the floor to the roof

Whether you are making minor changes or undertaking major renovations at home, enhancing your home with sustainable methods will not only contribute to the overall health and well-being of your family and community, but deliver long-term savings.

“Homeowners should realize that they can enhance their home’s function and style, while simultaneously saving money and the planet,” says Frank O’Brien-Bernini, chief sustainability officer for Owens Corning. “We share a common desire with our customers to provide sustainable, innovative and quality solutions that improve homeowners’ lives and our environment.”

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