How to Boost Your Home’s Energy Efficiency, Pt. 2

As our world becomes more and more conscious of the effects of global warming and climate change, we are continuously seeking ways to reduce our carbon footprint. One way to do this is by upgrading our homes in Fort Collins and improving their energy efficiency.

Aside from helping the planet (which is beneficial for everyone), the best thing about switching to eco-friendly solutions is that you can save significant amounts of money on utility bills.

Whereas in the previous article we discussed some budget-friendly options to make your home more energy efficient, in this one we’ll focus on upgrades that are more expensive but offer significantly better ROI, especially in the long run.

fort collins energy efficiency

Sealing air leaks around doors and windows

Air leaks can cause a significant loss of heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, leading to higher energy bills. Therefore, sealing them off should be at the very top of your priority list, especially because it is a relatively easy and affordable task.

For the most part, getting rid of the air leaks entails using weather stripping or caulking to seal any gaps around your windows and doors, both of which you can find at every hardware store. Additionally, you can use draft stoppers to block any gaps under doors which are also quite cheap and widely available.

Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Standard windows and doors hardly boast admirable energy efficiency which hurts the comfort level of your home, as well as your wallet. As such, switching them out for more sustainable counterparts could prove incredibly beneficial.

Energy-efficient windows and doors are designed to reduce heat transfer and prevent air leakage. They are typically made with multiple panes of glass, low-emissivity coatings, and insulated frames.

Additionally, many energy-efficient windows and doors come with a label from Energy Star, indicating that they meet specific energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Granted, replacing all the doors and windows in your home is a significant investment. However, seeing how much you can save with it in the long run, it is definitely worth considering.

Improving the Insulation in Attics and Walls

Insulation is an absolutely critical element for maintaining an energy-efficient home. It works by slowing down the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of your home. However, if your insulation is old, inadequate, or poorly installed, it may not be doing its job effectively.

You can make your home more element-resistant by:

  • Adding more insulation. This can be a viable option if the existing insulation isn’t too damaged. Also, do note that newer materials aren’t backward-compatible, so if your old insulation is too old, you might have to replace it altogether.
  • Replacing the old insulation with the new one. This is definitely the better option of the two, as new materials provide significant R-rating improvement over the old ones and can last for a long time.

Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Household appliances are the biggest energy consumers in your home. From stoves and microwaves to water heaters and washing machines, everything eats up energy and ramps up the bills. What’s more, the older the appliances, the more inefficient and wasteful they are.

This means that weeding them out slowly (or all at once, according to your capabilities), is a must if you wish for a sustainable home. Fortunately, today, you are all but spoiled for choice.

Similarly to doors and windows, many modern appliances come with Energy Star labels, indicating that they meet specific guidelines set by the EPA. When shopping for new gadgets and devices, look for ones with the Energy Star label and compare the energy usage of different models so you can find ones that best fit your needs and budget.

Which company in Fort Collins can reliably improve the energy efficiency of my home?

Handyman Connection of Fort Collins is a collective of highly trained professionals whose singular goal is to make your home a better place to live in. Whether you wish to make your home a paragon of sustainability and eco-friendliness or give it a few tweaks to optimize its energy usage, we have the knowledge and solutions that will fit your needs and budget. Reach out to us today or swing by our headquarters while on your way to Prairie Dog Meadow for a comprehensive home improvement plan that will benefit you for years to come.