It happens every month. Whether they come to your mailbox or your inbox, utility bills fill you with dread. Until you open them, you don’t know whether they’re high or extremely high. Sometimes you feel relief when it’s not as bad as you thought it would be. Other times you wonder what you’ll have to cut to keep the lights on.
Imagine if next time you opened a utility bill, the amount was significantly less than normal. What if that happened not just once, but every time you got a bill? Making your home more energy-efficient improves your comfort and can often pay for itself. Here are some ways to stop energy and money from leaking through the cracks.
Air Leakage
Outside air will seep into your home through even the smallest seams. When it’s wet and blustery, cold air invades to cause discomfort. When summer temperatures soar, your air conditioner might not be able to keep up unless your home is sealed.
Conduct a home energy audit to find out where your home is leaking energy and develop a priority list for upgrades. Consider these tips for stopping air leaks.
- Apply weather stripping around doors anywhere you see daylight or feel a draft.
- Caulk around plumbing, duct-work, wiring and cabinets.
- Add foam gaskets between wall outlets and switch plates.
- Stop air leaks around your kitchen exhaust by covering it when it’s not in use.
- Close the fireplace flue unless you are building a fire.
Check Your Attic
If your attic is uninsulated or the insulation is old, blown-in insulation may be one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you’re not sure whether you could benefit from attic insulation, watch for these symptoms:
- Room drafts
- Uneven temperatures along the ceiling or between rooms
- High heating and cooling bills
- Attic insulation that is level with or below attic floor joists
Attics in older homes may have vermiculite insulation, which sometimes contains asbestos. An insulation expert can identify various types of insulation and recommend how it can be safely removed.
A well-insulated attic keeps cool air in during the summer and out during the winter. Some homeowners report utility bills that are as much as 50 percent lower after installing proper insulation. Imagine what you could do with that kind of savings.
Replace Windows
Older windows leak energy through the panes, the frame, and any gaps around the outside edges. Replacing them can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round. Energy.gov says replacing your windows can reduce heating and cooling costs between 10 percent and 25 percent. Able Roof’s replacement windows block energy leaks with these features:
- Frames filled with insulation
- Double panes to prevent heat transfer through glass
- Reflective coating that keeps damaging radiation from entering your home
- A custom fit to the nearest quarter inch
- Glass breakage coverage
Able Roofing can help you maximize energy savings, and we offer flexible financing options with approved credit. Stop your home from leaking hard-earned money through the attic, walls and windows. Contact us today for a free estimate.
