Home Renovations That Will Save You Money on Your Energy Bills
Doing your part for the planet will shrink your carbon footprint which most of us aim to do these days, but it can also help you save a bit of cash which is never a bad thing. With gas prices being so crazy and the general cost of living shooting up, we’re all paying closer attention to what we use because of the strain on our wallets. It’s fair to say that things will never go back to the levels they were pre covid/ pre war in Ukraine etc but even if they do improve eventually, making these adjustments to lower your environmental impact will actually protect you against these kinds of massive price surges and spikes later on. So they’re definitely worth doing! If you’re currently thinking about ways to go greener at home and keep more money in your pocket, check out these suggestions.
Windows
Double or even triple glazed windows will make your home much more energy efficient.And with fuel costs so high right now, we’ve all become more aware of how efficient our windows are. This isn’t a cheap renovation and isn’t something that most people can run out and buy on a whim, but if you’re in the market for new windows or are renovating a home and know you’ll be buying them then good ones are worth the investment. They prevent heat escaping, so your home stays warmer for longer and uses less fuel. This is better for the planet since most of our homes are still heated with fossil fuels at least partially, and it’s better for your bank balance too. All buildings can see the benefit of this too, homes and businesses. Renewal by Andersen recently carried out a renovation at the Dempsey Center by replacing older windows and doors with energy efficient models. The project helped the center reduce heating costs and create a warmer, more comfortable environment for guests, showing how much impact the right windows can make. Check out Renewal by Andersen gave back to the Maine community with a pro bono renovation project of the Dempsey Center for more information about the project. When you’re renovating a home, examples like this are such a clear example of how investing in quality windows will pay off in both energy savings and comfort.
Loft and Wall Insulation
Cavity wall insulation works by filling the gap between your internal and external walls with an insulating material, so it provides your home with what’s almost like a jacket, This can help to keep any heat from radiators and heaters that you release inside your home in, and on hot days it can also work by stopping too much heat getting in your home making it cheaper to cool too. Loft insulation prevents heat from escaping through the ceiling, and with a combination of all of these things you can expect to see a difference in the cost of your energy bills.
Solar Panels
Finally, let’s look at one of the biggest green moves you can make: solar panels. Putting panels on your roof is a serious investment there’s no doubt about it, but the return on that investment can be huge. Once they’re installed you’re generating your own power for free! That means your energy company is either sending you a tiny bill or, in some cases, actually paying you for the excess electricity you send back to the grid. Solar technology is getting better all the time, and government schemes and grants often help with the initial cost (although admittedly these are rarer than they used to be). But if you can secure some kind of grant it can make them more accessible to the average homeowner.
