With spring upon us and the emphasis on home energy efficiency continuing to grow, building industry experts say now is the best time for homeowners considering a home improvement project to look at how energy efficient their home truly is. Homeowners should ask themselves, “How much energy is being lost through inefficiencies in my home and how much is this energy loss costing me each month?”
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests there are several inexpensive and quick ways to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly energy bills. Installing a programmable thermostat can contribute to a 10-percent reduction on heating and cooling costs. Lowering your water heater’s temperature by just a few degrees can make a noticeable impact on reducing your water heating bills.
The ways your home uses light also can make a noticeable impact. Using natural light to your advantage and relying less on artificial light can contribute to improving your home’s energy efficiency. Also, installing ENERGY STAR-rated high efficiency windows can help reduce energy loss.
Working with an expert
Homeowners serious about optimizing their home’s energy efficiency should consider working with a certified Home Energy Rater. These professionals conduct a series of tests to assess a home’s energy efficiency to provide an overall efficiency rating in much the same way that appliances are rated. Equipped with this information, homeowners can make home improvement decisions that further boost their home’s energy efficiency.
One way to optimize energy efficiency and minimize energy loss is to limit air leakage. Insulation experts say homeowners should survey their house from top to bottom, and assess any trouble spots such as drafty areas or cold zones, which could be caused by air leakage. Air leakage can limit the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, and therefore your home’s energy efficiency. According to InsulationSmart.com, floors, walls and ceilings can account for up to 31 percent of air leakage in a home.
Spray foam insulation, which can help reduce air leakage, is growing in popularity among homeowners since it is an energy-efficient material that delivers year-round benefits. When installed, spray foam insulation, like that from Icynene, expands within seconds of application to create an insulation and air seal that fills every nook and cranny to limit air loss. Spray foam insulation works well in all types of homes across the country, regardless of climate to limit air loss and maintain even temperatures throughout the home all year round.
Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment. More information on how spray foam insulation contributes to energy efficiency is available online at icynene.com.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.