As we move into the cold season, it’s especially important to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. As a Florida homeowner, you are always keen on finding ways to boost the value of your property, make it more comfortable to live in, AND save on your monthly energy bill all at the same time!

While there are numerous ideas you could list to help your home’s energy-efficiency rating, we want to concentrate here on three of the most important and most practical among them – new windows, new roofing, and new solar panels.

Windows Are Central To ANY Energy Efficiency Plan!

If your house has old, leaky windows, you can lose 20% to 30% of your energy efficiency rating from that alone. Window replacement is probably the number one thing people think of when they decide to upgrade their energy efficiency levels – and for good reason.

But what makes one window more efficient than the next? Here are some of the key features to look for when you get new windows:

• First of all, look for windows that are Energy Star rated.
• Next, consider the framing and sash material. Thick vinyl with built-in air chambers can be a great choice. A heavy wood, possibly covered in aluminum on the outside, can also be very energy efficient while looking quite “snappy.”
• Also, look for Low E panes. Low E glass reflects UV light and infrared rays while letting the sunlight in. It transfers heat inefficiently, which means it keeps your heated or cooled air inside – thus making it energy efficient.
• Multiple window panes and gas-filled panes are another high-efficiency window feature to look for. Two or three panes of glass greatly slow the transference of energy through the window – and if you get gas-filled (argon or krypton) inter-pane chambers, that helps even more.

Additionally, be sure you add weather stripping to both windows and doors and insulate around them when they are installed. Proper installation is just as important as the window itself, so take the time to find a company with a sterling local reputation.

Heat Rises – And So Do Energy Bills If Your Roofing Is Energy Inefficient!

Did you know poor roofing can have an impact on your home’s energy rating? One factor that may influence your decision on when to invest in roof replacement might be a desire to increase your building’s overall efficiency.

It only makes sense that roofing impacts energy efficiency, when you think about it, since heat rises. Most of the heat from your body escapes through your head, and most heat from a building escapes through the roof!

Some roofing is thicker and better able to slow down heat loss than others, and old roofing deteriorates in its energy efficiency as well as in other ways. But you can also improve a roof’s efficiency by doing the following (short of full roof replacement):

• Install or add additional insulation in the attic.
• Put a radiant barrier in on the attic roof to reflect out infrared light.
• Add attic ventilation such as fans to help maintain an efficient temperature.
• Make any necessary roof repairs. Fix any plywood roof deck material that may be damaged. Install roofing underlayment if you are re-roofing the house.
• Relocate ductwork if it runs through the attic – it’s the worst possible place to locate it.
• Have your roof inspected for air leaks by a professional roofer and then have them filled or blocked off.

Going Solar Is Easier Than Ever And Could Save You Thousands!

Florida ranks among the leading solar energy states these days. That’s not too surprising since it’s the “Sunshine State” and gets more hours of daily average sunlight than most other states.

You can also get valuable tax write-offs for solar installation in Florida, and you can sell your excess solar energy production to the utility company. That means you could eliminate most or all of your electric bill, depending on your solar production and usage rates, or even make a profit off the power company each month!

It can cost around $15,000 to have solar panels installed on your roof, but you can get a lot of immediate discounts and kick-backs. Then you save money every month. Most people can own their panels free and clear within 5 years.

Talk To A Home Energy Efficiency Expert Today!

Of course, there are many other ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home besides getting newer, more efficient windows, new roofing, and solar panels. 

More efficient light bulbs and fixtures, insulation with a higher R-rating, and design elements like heavy curtains and floor rugs are possible examples. If your goal is a total energy efficiency overhaul, why not talk to an energy efficiency expert and order an energy audit?

To learn more about boosting your building’s energy efficiency in every way possible, contact Sheegog Contracting today for a free consultation.

We have deep experience in numerous areas of home improvement, repair work, construction, post-storm restoration, and energy efficiency optimization. Talk to us today to get started on lowering your energy bill!