Whether you’re planning a major home remodel or just giving your home increased curb appeal with exterior remodeling, you have many options to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. If you plan on staying in your home for years to come, spending a little more on some of these features will pay off long-term. No matter what room you’re remodeling or what you’re changing on the outside of your home, you have plenty of opportunity to make improvements.
Exterior Remodeling
Your home’s exterior plays a key role in energy efficiency. If it’s time for a roof replacement, opt for architectural shingles in a lighter color. Architectural shingles are thicker than three-tab and, in addition to lasting longer, they provide a bit more insulation. The lighter color will help reflect the sun’s heat to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Don’t stop there; talk to your roofing company or remodeler about the insulation in your attic. Find out if it’s up to today’s code. If not, add some! Siding also has new code which requires a certain R-value. If you are replacing your siding, ask for an insulative wrap for the entire house. Exterior remodeling is a great way to conserve energy in your home.
Kitchen Remodeling
Your kitchen is one of the rooms where you can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Not only do today’s dishwashers use as little as three gallons per load, they also use less electricity in the cycle. Refrigerators and ovens with the ENERGY STAR® rating will cut electricity or gas usage more than you may think. Of course, switching out lights with LED bulbs should be a given.
Bathroom Remodeling
In addition to the faucets and the showerhead, consider a low-flow toilet. These toilets use fewer gallons per flush but do the job just as well. Some even have an option for solid vs. liquid waste, which can further reduce the gallons per flush. Consider an exhaust fan that turns itself off after 10 or 15 minutes. Not only does leaving the fan on waste electricity while running, it also draws out the air you’re heating or cooling.
Faucets
Your bathroom and kitchen both have faucets. If you’re not already using a low-flow showerhead and faucets, you should change those even if you’re not undergoing a home remodel. They provide the same water pressure but use less water per minute. Conserving water not only saves you money, it is also good for the planet.
We Can Help With an Energy-Efficient Home Remodel
Whether you’re looking at an interior or exterior remodel or a home addition, let the team at G.M. Roth Design Remodeling help you make some energy-saving choices. Many of the vendors we work with offer ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and fixtures. We can also replace your roofing and siding to improve your home’s comfort and overall energy efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our interior and exterior remodeling services that we offer from our Nashua office. Call (603) 880-3761 or fill out our contact form.
