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People have gotten very creative in saving energy nowadays. They are turning off lights, unplugging chargers, and using less water. Here is a proposition. What if the outside of your home could help you save money as well? Many homeowners don’t realize that the exterior of a house plays a huge role in how much energy it uses. In this blog, we are going to talk about energy efficient exterior renovations. They won’t just make your home look nicer. They will also help lower your energy bills.
Why Homes Need an Energy Efficient Exterior Renovation Without Realizing It
Homes today are losing money without homeowners noticing. The reason? Sometimes when problems are not obvious, people don’t think about fixing them.
- Maybe your doors are letting in small drafts.
- Maybe the sun heats up your attic too much
- Maybe your siding is old and no longer protects your home well.
They need an energy efficient exterior renovation. You can’t see these issues from inside the house, but they affect your energy bills every single month. Your heating and cooling systems have to work harder when the exterior of your home can’t balance the temperature. And when they work harder, you pay more.
7 Upgrades For Your House’s Exterior
The good news is that exterior renovations can fix these problems and help your home use energy smarter, not harder. Let’s break down some of the best exterior upgrades and how they help you save.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Older windows are known to let air leak in and out. If you have ever felt a cold draft near a window, you know exactly what that means. Small cracks also force your heater or AC to run longer.
How this upgrade helps you save:
Energy efficient windows have better insulation. That means less heat escapes in the winter and less warm air sneaks in during summer. Your home stays comfortable with less work from your HVAC system.
Real-life example:
It is like wearing a good jacket in winter instead of a thin shirt. You stay warm longer without needing extra layers.
Insulated Doors
Older doors can waste a lot of energy as well. Gaps and thin materials allow outside temperatures to sneak in.
How this upgrade helps you save:
A new insulated door seals tightly and blocks drafts. This helps your home stay at the temperature you want without overworking your system. Not to mention, it also improves security.
| Updating a front door is listed as a home improvement project with a high return on investment. Sometimes cited as 60-70% for replacements. |
New Siding for Better Insulation
Your siding is like your home’s protective skin. It obviously won’t keep the heat where it belongs if it is damaged.
How this upgrade helps you save:
Modern siding materials, especially insulated siding, help reduce heat loss. They act as a strong barrier. Get ready for a comfortable home no matter the weather.
Extra benefit: Fresh siding can make your house look brand new.
A Cool Roof // Energy-Efficient Roofing
Roofing plays a bigger role in energy savings than most people think. Dark roofs absorb heat. Summer heat moves down into your home. It forces your AC to work harder.
How this upgrade helps you save:
Cool roofs contain materials that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This helps your home stay cooler naturally.
Exterior Lighting
People usually pay no mind to outdoor lightning. However, switching to LED or solar lights can help cut energy costs by a margin.
How this upgrade helps you save:
- LED lights use far less power
- Solar lights use none at all.
- They are long-lasting and perfect for walkways and porches.
Improving Attic Insulation
Heat rises, which means it escapes through your attic. If your attic is not insulated well, your heater must work overtime in winter.
How this upgrade helps you save:
Better insulation traps heat inside during winter. Moreover, it keeps unwanted heat out during summer. This gives your HVAC system a big break.
Exterior Shading and Awnings
You know, too much direct sunlight can heat your home very quickly. These awnings and shades were made for people who live in sunny areas.
How this upgrade helps you save:
- Adding exterior shading like awnings, shutters, or shade screens reduces heat gain.
- This lowers cooling costs
- Also, protects furniture from sun fading.
Conclusion
When we say make your home more energy efficient, we do not mean make big changes inside. Just focus on the outside through an energy efficient exterior renovation. Trust us, it can help you reduce drafts, block unwanted heat, improve insulation, and lower your utility bills. Upgrades like better windows, new siding, cool roofing, and your home become more attractive and more affordable to run.
FAQ
Which building feature contributes most to energy efficiency?
Insulation is the building feature that most contributes to energy efficiency. It reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 50%.
How does insulation improve energy efficiency?
It improves energy efficiency by creating a resistance to heat flow. In warm climates, it slows down the transfer of heat from the hot exterior into the cool interior.
Are exterior upgrades expensive?
Replacing windows, adding thick exterior insulation or installing a cool roof are expensive due to high material and labor costs.
Are energy-efficient exterior upgrades worth it in warm climates?
Absolutely. In hot areas, cool roofs, proper shading, and insulated windows help keep your home much cooler.
Can I do these renovations myself?
Weatherstripping and caulking are excellent DIY projects. However, major exterior projects such as window replacement and structural insulation should be handled by licensed professionals.
