Increase Energy Efficiency & Save Big

With the recent trend toward brutal winters and extreme storm systems here in Cape May County, local homeowners are encouraged to increase their homes’ durability and preparedness to weather such a climate. Our region has seen temperatures in the single digits in winter 2014, requiring heating and electric systems to work especially hard. Now more than ever, optimizing energy usage should be a homeowner’s top priority. In order to avoid astronomical energy costs and to gear up for potential energy losses, consider making these upgrades.
• Evaluate your windows’ energy efficiency. If your budget is tight, energy efficiency improvements to existing windows may help. For example, adding storm windows can reduce air leakage and improve comfort. However, if your home has very old and/or inefficient windows, it might be more cost-effective to replace them. New, energy-efficient windows will eventually pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling costs, and sometimes even lighting costs.
Before selecting new windows for your home, determine what types of windows will work best and where to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It’s a good idea to understand the energy performance ratings of windows so you’ll know what energy performance ratings you need for your windows based on your climate and the home’s design.
Even the most energy-efficient window must be properly installed to ensure energy efficiency. Therefore, it’s best to have a professional install your windows.
• Consider reinsulation or added insulation. In the case of most homes, you can probably reduce your energy bills by adding more insulation. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years.
To determine whether you should add insulation, you first need to find out how much insulation you already have in your home and where it is. A qualified home energy auditor will include an insulation check as a routine part of a whole-house energy assessment. An energy assessment, also known as a home energy audit, will also help identify areas of your home that are in need of air sealing.
If after the audit you decide it is most beneficial to add insulation to your home, it is best to consult a professional regarding where added insulation would be best placed and the type of insulation you might require. A pro’s assistance will ultimately ensure that you reap the most in energy savings in the end.
• Check your roof system. Is your roofing system stable enough to hold up under the weight of pile up? How does it manage storm water? It is also important to consider its level of insulation. Roofing professionals are the best judges of these characteristics and are most likely to have a comprehensive understanding of your roof’s energy efficiency.
• Assess your home’s need for an emergency, on-demand generator. In the event of a major power outage, such a generator would act as your home’s power source. They are connected to a home’s natural gas line and are therefore capable of powering your household for however long may be necessary.
For assistance in completing the above home projects and increasing your home’s energy efficiency, consult the seasoned professionals of Town Bank Builders. The contractors of Town Bank Builders have been performing such services for decades and can advise homeowners on which improvements would best suit their specific needs. Contact Town Bank Builders at 609-884-5151 or visit www.townbankbuilders.com for more information on their latest work.