Making Your Home More Energy Savvy

16 March 2015 by Derrick Gordon

Cutting down on energy costs not only keeps your bank balance in check, but it also helps the environment. Reducing the amount of emissions you release into the air through heating and cooling your home helps conserve natural resources and reduce pollution. It's important to utilize ways to help keep your home energy usage in check. Here are just a few ways to make your home more energy savvy.

Explore Eco-Friendly Roofing Options

Is your home over ten years old? Are there some gaps in your roof or visible tears? This could contribute to a significant loss of heat throughout the winter. It can also lead to long-term structural damage. There are many roofing options that can help make your home more energy efficient and save you money in the long run:

• Metal
• SPF Foam
• Recycled Clay or Slate

Metal is a long-lasting choice for an energy-efficient roofing system. Metal is often recycled and formed into large sheets that provide a permanent layer of protection from the elements. Metal may cost more during installation, but you can expect to see a significant savings over time.

SPF or spray polyurethane foam is a type of roofing that provides an instant and permanent seal. This helps keep cool air out and warm in. It's also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about bothersome leaks or structural damage resulting from ice or water buildup. It's typically used on flat roofs or as an insulator on traditional asphalt shingle roofing systems to fill in gaps and crevices.

Recycled clay or slate is another green roofing option, especially for homes in warmer climates. Made from natural materials, this type of roof absorbs the heat of summer and creates an energy-efficient barrier. The result is a cool attic space, trapping cold air inside during the summer months. For more information, contact R & A Roofing Services or a similar company.

Insulate Your Home

One way to make your home energy savvy is to insulate it top to bottom. Make sure your roof is airtight and insulated with spray foam around vents and chimneys. Use a combination of spray foam and rolled insulation for your attic space. Keep walls airtight with blown-in cellulose insulation and fill cracks and crevices with spray foam.

Have An HVAC Inspection

Make sure your furnace and AC unit are running at maximum efficiency by having a routine inspection from an HVAC professional. He will make sure your furnace is working effectively and will recommend replacement of worn out or outdated parts if necessary.

Inspect The Exterior Of Your Home

Check the exterior of your home for areas where cold air may seep in. Areas to pay close attention to include:

• Missing pieces of fascia
• Gaps between the roof and soffit
• Areas between the basement and your home's lower level that need to be caulked
• Weatherstripping around windows and door frames

Checking these areas each spring and fall can help locate issues that should be addressed before the season kicks into full swing.

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