The cooler months are the perfect time to work on home improvement projects for energy efficiency. The time and money you put into improving your home’s ability to resist temperature change and stop air leaks will pay you back in no time.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that at least half of what you spend annually for energy goes towards keeping your home comfortable. As such, adding insulation and tightening your home’s envelope will lower those costs.
Insulation
Since our region is so hot during the summer, consider installing sufficient insulation to slow heat transfer from your roof and attic into your home. This will cut cooling costs, as it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit and higher during the summer.
The DOE recommends that you have at least 10 inches of insulation in the attic. If there’s room, 20 inches is ideal. The easiest products to install are fiberglass batt and blown-in fiberglass, but if space is tight, radiant barriers will also work well to reflect heat year-round. These barriers can be sprayed on the underside of the roof, where they’ll reflect heat back to the outdoors during the summer and retain it during the winter.
Air Infiltration
Taking care of air leaks is essential for energy efficiency. The best way to find leaks is by scheduling an energy audit performed by a licensed auditor or HVAC contractor. Both of these providers have tools and equipment to find air leaks and their extent. Once you know where to seal them, you can use caulk, expanding foam and metal flashing to stop the leaks. Make sure to be extra cautious around flues, chimneys and exposed wiring.
The pros at CCAC can help you by installing radiant barriers and blown in attic insulation to help you with energy-efficient home improvement projects. We provide top-notch HVAC services for all Corpus Christi homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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