Remodeling That's Energy Efficient As Well As Beautiful

Most of us remodel our homes because we want them to be both beautiful and comfortable, reflecting our personalities and interests, but this doesn't mean that investing in remodeling has to be a costly endeavor with no monetary payback. In fact, if you choose wisely you can do some major renovations that will actually save you money over the long term. These energy efficient remodeling jobs can cut the cost of heating and cooling your home dramatically, save you money on electricity, and prevent drafts and other problems. But which projects can save you the most money? Research has repeatedly shown that there are three projects that consistently deliver money-saving results.

Siding Contractors Can Install Energy Efficient Siding

There's no doubt about it -- you can improve your home's insulation and dramatically reduce your fuel costs year round if you have new vinyl or fiber cement siding installed on your home. When the old materials are removed, have the siding contractors install either foam-backed siding or insulation beneath vinyl planks to eliminate airflow and decrease heat exchange between the inside and outside of your home. Many homeowners immediately see a steep decline in their heating and cooling costs, particularly if their old exterior wasn't backed by sufficient insulation.Fiber cement is another option that can save you money on energy bills because it is twice as thick as vinyl and is usually installed with either foam back insulation or weather barriers between the exterior walls and the fiber cement, which is an extremely dense material with insulating properties of its own.

Because new siding can transform the appearance of your entire house, it's usually the most popular exterior home improvement consumers can undertake, particularly when they are hoping to make changes that will save them money down the road. Because the improved insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by hundreds of dollars every year, consumers appreciate the double benefits of great looks and energy efficiency. Since new siding is one of the first things visitors will see, it also instantly ups the curb appeal and value of your house.

New Windows Can Also Reduce Your Heating And Cooling Costs

Replacement windows are another excellent home improvement choice. They can reduce drafts and eliminate cold spots. Newer models have a variety of features, including double panes and reflective coatings that reflect cold away in the winter months and keep air conditioning inside the home during the hot summer months. They can also reduce fading and damage to your furnishings and carpets because they filter out harmful UV rays.

A New Roof That Combines Efficiency And Good Looks

Although many homeowners don't think about a new roof until they have a serious problem such as leaks that have damaged interior walls or missing shingles after a severe storm, replacing your old roof with newer materials and appropriate attic insulation is another way to upgrade your home's appearance while improving its energy efficiency. Many roofing and siding contractors discover that older houses don't have the proper ventilation or insulation under the eaves when a new roof is installed. By adding these features, you can significantly reduce your fuel usage and keep your attic dry and ventilated so that the chance of water damage or mold is reduced or eliminated.

When you're ready to take on your next home improvement project, talk to exterior renovation or siding contractors; they will usually be able to explain the relative savings you can expect over time on energy costs and compare them to the immediate costs of remodeling. In most cases, renovations like fiber cement siding, roofing and new windows are options that will give you years of pleasure while they minimize your heating and air conditioning expenditures.