Every time you feel the heating or cooling turn on, or a drafty or hot room, do you think about the higher utility bills you’re going to have this month? You’re not alone. More and more US households are looking to protect their long-term investments by improving their homes through energy efficiency renovations. Learn how to pick the right renovations to reduce costs and improve comfort and health, without breaking the bank.
The Three Best Home Performance Renovations by Pricing
Below are some of the most popular home performance renovations that address various energy efficiency issues, ranked by lowest cost and highest benefit. Every household can afford some form of energy-efficiency renovation, and multiple renovations can be combined for a whole-house approach.
Air Sealing & Weatherization
One of the cheapest options is air sealing and weatherization: applying caulk to gaps, cracks, and holes in a home to prevent air leaks, and installing weatherstripping on doors and windows to prevent the same leaks at moving parts. While it requires equipment like blower units for testing, there is little to no construction, and work can be completed quickly. Learn more in our blog, What is Home Air Sealing and Do I Need It in My House?
Insulation Installations
After air sealing and weatherization, installing additional insulation in under-insulated areas of your home provides great returns. Typically, these are unfinished parts of your home where insulation can be installed directly without the need for drywall. Various places can benefit from insulation, including:
- Attic Insulation: For unfinished attics, insulation can generally be installed right into the ceiling, walls, and loose insulation on the floor with baffles.
- Crawlspace Insulation: Depending on the size and location, insulating crawlspaces can provide additional protection with minimal additional labor.
- Basement Insulation: Spray foam insulation may be used on the ceiling or for water pipes and similar situations. The foundation should also be inspected in older homes.
Learn more about home insulation in our blog, What are My Options for Improving Home Insulation?
Ventilation Renovations
Upgrades to your ventilation can take the load off your HVAC systems and improve your family’s comfort and health. Exhaust fans, for example, can be mounted to provide ductless ventilation for bathrooms and kitchens, depending on home layouts. Duct inspections can also reveal the need to clean and seal vents, dramatically improving their effectiveness. Whole-home ventilation systems can also help rapidly vent homes when outdoor conditions are ideal for air exchange.
Energy Efficiency Renovations in St. Louis
At Greenmark Home Performance, we believe that every homeowner should be able to access cost-effective energy efficiency while also improving their home’s comfort and air quality. Beyond the above choices, we also offer more in-depth renovations, including HVAC and Energy Star appliances, door and window installations, and more. If you’re in the St. Louis area, schedule an evaluation today or call us at (314) 845-9144 to get started.
