Isn’t “wish list” a great term? It really sums up all your wants, needs and desires into two simple words. Wish list. Just saying it makes you feel good. And everyone has one, don’t they? What if your home had a wish list – what would it ask for? Well, we think we have a pretty good idea and the best part is that you’ll probably want what your home wants too! Here’s what we came up with:
Cool Roofs
Cool roofs are designed specifically to lower your home’s roof temperature, thereby preventing your home from overheating in the summer and reducing your air conditioning costs. Tiles, shingles, and paint used on cool roofs contain reflective material that deflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.
Storm Doors
Storm doors fit over your home’s exterior doors and can save you quite a bit of energy by:
- Reducing air leakage through spaces around existing doors
- Creating an insulated air space between itself and the existing door, thereby reducing heat conduction
Storm doors also protect the main door, reduce maintenance costs and allow for natural ventilation in the summer, which will help reduce air conditioning costs.
Skylights
One way to lower your electricity costs is by increasing the amount of natural light coming in to your home. Skylights are the best way to do this. In addition to improving a home’s interior lighting, skylights also improve heating and ventilation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, skylights should be no larger than 5% of the floor area in rooms with several windows and 15% of the floor area in rooms with minimal windows.
Energy Efficient Windows
New energy efficient windows don’t only save you a significant amount of energy, they also improve your home comfort and last many years. Look for energy rating labels to advise on the windows that are best suited for your home.
Fans
In summer fans can be used to circulate air throughout your home and cool rooms down. Most ceiling fans have a switch allowing you to rotate the blades in reverse, so in winter you can create a gentle updraft forcing warm air near the ceiling down into the living area, generating warmth without turning up the temperature.
Appliances, Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and fixtures have earned the ENERGY STAR label indicating that they meet specific energy efficiency requirements. Investing in ENERGY STAR appliances and fixtures can result in significant savings on your utility bills.
Insulation
A home with insufficient or poor insulation will be cold, uncomfortable and generate a high heating bill. Investing in the right type and amount of insulation, which is best suited for your home and region, will increase your home comfort while cutting your heating costs.
Flooring
The type of floor you choose for your home also plays a role in how much energy – and money – you could save. For example, carpeted floors will trap heat and keep your home warm during the colder months; rugs, too, will trap heat in areas where they are used. When placed strategically, the right combinations of flooring can provide you with an attractive home that also delivers significant energy savings.
By fulfilling your home’s wish list, you’ll make it more energy efficient and comfortable to live in, which means a happy home life too! For more information on how to fulfill your wish list, contact your local RESNET home energy professional.