As much as we wanted to fit all the energy efficient home improvements into one blog, it was impossible. So, here is part one; energy efficient home improvements you can do yourself or can hire someone to do with minimal time and financial investment.
Replace Weather Stripping
All the entry doors on your home have weather stripping. It wears out after about eight years. When your weather stripping isn’t working, air leaks in and out of your home. If you see light around your door, feel air coming in or the door fails the dollar bill test, you need new weather stripping. What’s the dollar bill test? Put a dollar bill in the door frame, shut the door and see if you can easily pull it out. There should be resistance, if there is not, replace your weather stripping.
Re-caulk Windows
Just like the weather stripping around doors, the caulk around your windows wears out. Once it’s no longer an uncracked continuous line around your window, it needs replacing. Because your windows are already one of the biggest causes of heat loss in your home, fixing the caulk does make a big difference. And, it’s one of those energy efficient home improvements that costs very little time and money.
Check & Replace or Add to Your Home Insulation
Depending when your home was built, you may or may not have the current recommended amount of insulation in your attic. To find out if you do, consult this guide. If you don’t, add to what you have. If you notice you have an area where your insulation appears compressed or wet, call a roofing contractor before you replace the insulation as you likely have a roof leak.
Insulate Your Water Heater (and Pipes)
For water heaters in unfinished basements or garages, this small investment can really add to your savings. It’s easy and will only cost about $35 to insulate your water heater. If you have pipes in the basement, by insulating those as well, you may find you can turn down the temperature on your water heater, further lowering the cost of use.
Stay Tuned for More Energy Efficient Home Improvements
There are many other things you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Some take more time on your part or require an investment in your home. If you realized that you likely have a roof leak, we can help with that. If you know that you need an exterior home improvement and want a more energy efficient home, let us help you with that project as well. Call Cooley Roofing at (336) 766-6488 or fill out our contact form for your appointment. Ready for part two? Click here.
