It’s already September, and cooler weather is creeping in by the day. Before long, we’ll be turning on our furnaces for the season. Fall is an ideal time of year to take stock of your home energy use and make some changes that can help to keep your utility bills down. Taking these steps can also reduce your household’s impact on the environment while increasing your home’s value.
In this post from The Construction Group in Woodbury, our general contractor pros share advice for improving your home’s energy footprint. Give us a call to discuss how we can help reduce your energy costs today.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
One of the most effective ways you can help to reduce your energy costs is to assess and upgrade any weaknesses in your insulation. One of the most common signs of poor or inadequate insulation is the presence of ice dams or icicles on your roof during winter. This is due to the heat from your home melting snow and ice, which then refreezes when the temperature drops once more.
The presence of ice dams can damage your roof. The poor insulation can also force your furnace to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Drafts around your walls and floorboards may also be a sign of poor wall or basement insulation.
2. Replace Your Doors
Do cold winter nights have you rolling up towels or blankets to stuff in front of your door? Does the area near your front door or patio door remain colder than the rest of your home? Replacing your doors with energy efficient alternatives can help to complete the thermal envelope that keeps the temperature in your home consistent. An upgraded door can also help to make your home more secure in the process.
3. Replace Your Kitchen Appliances
Updating your kitchen with modern kitchen appliances can give you one of the biggest returns on investment of any home renovation projects. New appliances are more efficient than ever. Consider updating your oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave with more environmentally-friendly appliances.
4. Update Your Windows
If you avoid sitting near your windows on a cold winter night, it may be time to replace them with a more efficient alternative. If you live in an older home, consider replacing your older windows with modern ones. You’d be surprised at how much heat escapes through poorly insulated windows. Today’s window systems are highly efficient and may lead to a reduction in your energy costs.
Reduce Your Energy Footprint Our Twin Cities General Contractor
Whether you’re looking for ways to help reduce the energy bills for your home, increase your home’s resale value, or reduce your impact on the environment, we can help. At The Construction Group in Woodbury, we offer a complete range of home renovation services to help add value to your home.
For a free quote on general contractor services, contact The Construction Group in Woodbury today at 651-731-5857. Or contact us online to discuss energy saving solutions for your Twin Cities home.