A complete home renovation is the perfect opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home. If your home is over 15 years old, there will be several steps you can take. From new windows to improved insulation, you could reduce both your energy costs and your carbon footprint.

The latest data from the Department of Energy reveals that 6% of all electricity produced in the United States is used for Air Conditioning. This costs homeowners almost $30 billion every year.

If your home is not energy efficient, you could be paying too much for cooling and heating. Here are the best ways to increase energy efficiency when working with Des Moines contractors.

Ask for an Efficiency Audit

Maybe you think your home is already energy efficient, or, maybe you simply don’t know where to start. You can work with Des Moines contractors to have a full home inspection that will identify where you’re losing heating or cooling energy.

A complete audit will identify the best investments to make. Thinking about energy usage from the start of a home renovation project will help to guide your improvements, making better use of your available budget.

Home Renovation Seal Cracks and Gaps

Cracks and gaps around windows and doors are common causes of an inefficient home. Even damage to your home exterior could be reducing your overall energy efficiency. If you are losing cooled or heated air from your home, your air conditioner or furnace will need to work overtime. In addition to increasing your energy bill, this could cause unnecessary wear and tear on your system components.

Seal your home and you’ll enjoy reduced energy usage and longer lifetime from your climate control investments in a home renovation.

Add or Replace Insulation

Insulation can degrade over time, leaving your home exposed to the elements. If you want to keep cool air inside in the summer, and warm air in the winter, you’ll need to make sure your insulation is doing its job. Complete home renovation is the perfect time to inspect your existing insulation and replace it where necessary. Modern solutions could last the lifetime of your home, allowing you to create more thermally efficient spaces. Insulation could also help to reduce noise, which is perfect if you have tweens and teens.

Seal Your Central Air System

If you own a larger home with a central air system, you could be losing cooling or heating efficiency through leaky ducts. Even ducts that are professionally installed will degrade over time. Up to 30% of thermal energy can be lost through ducts, so it’s worth getting a complete system inspection if you are in a home renovation or remodeling.

You can also insulate your ducts to ensure that your system runs as efficiently as possible.

Install Low-E Windows

Older windows could be the primary source of reduced energy efficiency in your home. Replacing your windows with Low-E glass could significantly reduce your energy costs every year. Low-E solutions keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

If you want to replace your windows on a strict budget make sure you stick to the same sizing. This will allow for drop-in replacements with lower labor and material costs. New window installations will also make your home more comfortable and could raise curbside appeal and value.

Increasing Energy Efficiency with Des Moines Contractors

Don’t just improve the look and feel of your home. You can improve energy efficiency and save money by working with the best contractors in Des Moines. At HomeWorx, we design improvements that are more energy efficient and friendlier to the environment. You’ll be left with a home that is as cost-effective as it is beautiful.

Call us today to discuss complete home renovation or any project that you have in mind. Offering project management from consulting to completion, we’re your best partner for home improvements in Iowa.