When the weather cools down, it’s a priority to make your home energy-efficient to keep energy bills low. Focusing on the exterior of your home, provides many benefits like: improved comfort of your home, reduced energy loss and lowering heating coat throughout the fall and winter. At Storm Ready Exteriors, we strive to help homeowners keep their homes cozy and efficient during the colder seasons.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Doors and windows are two of the most important parts of your home. Doors and windows are the guards of the exterior, they determine whether the elements of the outside temperature will effect the comfort and security within. If your windows and doors are old or improperly sealed, they can allow warm air to escape and chilly air to creep in, leading to higher heating costs. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly reduce the amount of heat that escapes your home. This will keep the living space warmer and reduce the workload on your heating system. Decreasing the workload on the HVAC will lead to lower energy cost.
Insulated Siding for Energy Loss Reduction
While windows and doors are the most obvious sources of heat loss. Your home’s walls also play a huge role in maintaining a stable indoor temperature. If the exterior siding isn’t properly insulated, it can allow heat to escape, making your home less energy-efficient and costing you more in energy expenses. Upgrading your siding to a new insulated siding can save you a lot of money in the long term.
Why Upgrade or Change Your Siding?
Time, Technology, & Materials have changed over the years, many manufacturers are producing more energy-efficient materials that will help keep your home better insulated. Insulated siding increases the R-value (a measure of insulation’s effectiveness) of your exterior walls, helping to retain heat inside your home. Thermal bridging can occur in your home when heat escapes through less insulated materials, such as studs or nails in the walls. Installing insulated siding may seem like a large upfront investment, the energy savings over time will help offset the initial cost, making it a worthwhile improvement. Insulated siding is an additional barrier against the cold, reducing energy loss through the walls and providing greater comfort during the colder months.
DIY Sealing Techniques to Prevent Drafts:
Not ready to replace your windows? We got you! Yes, new windows are an expensive investment in your home, but they do help curve energy expenses. The good news is, there are plenty of simple DIY techniques you can use to improve your home’s energy efficiency this fall and winter.
Adding weatherstripping around doors and windows is an easy way to block cold drafts and other possible weathering. Look for adhesive foam strips or rubber seals to apply around the edges where gaps may occur.
Use caulk to seal cracks or gaps around window frames, door frames, and other exterior joints. Silicone-based caulk is particularly effective for exterior use, as it remains flexible in cold temperatures.
For an extra layer of protection, you can apply window film to the inside of your windows. This transparent plastic film creates an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss while also allowing sunlight to pass through.
All of these DIY steps can help make a big difference in preventing drafts and keeping your home warmer without a major financial investment.
Conclusion
As the cooler months approach, focusing on your home’s exterior there’s a chance energy efficiency can make a significant difference in both your comfort and your utility bills. By upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, adding insulated siding, or taking care of simple DIY sealing projects, you can reduce heat loss and enjoy a cozier home. If you’re looking for expert advice or professional exterior upgrades, Storm Ready Exteriors is here to help keep your home warm and energy-efficient year-round! Contact us today or give us a call at 443-926-6751 for any of your roofing or exterior needs this fall or winter!
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