Proper insulation in the home is essential as it will not only protect you and your family from the elements, but also reduce your utility bills. If your home is well insulated, it will be easier to regulate temperature meaning you’ll spend less on heating and cooling. There are several upgrades you can make from smaller jobs such as sealing drafts, to entirely replacing siding and windows. Here are seven simple ways to improve the insulation of your home.
Upgrade your siding
It might be time to upgrade your siding. Consider the material of your siding and whether this is the most insulating and economical. Look into a local siding company that offers insulated siding. This will help protect your home in all seasons and will save you money on your gas bill. Vinyl siding with a breathable foam underlayment is a great choice, for example. It’s both stylish and practical, and ensures superior performance in any climate and weather conditions.
Install eco-friendly windows
You may also want to think about upgrading your windows. Although it might seem like a big job at first, installing eco-friendly windows will save you money in the long run and will make your home much more comfortable. If you install windows with well-insulated sustainable frames and low-e glass, you’ll be able to maintain the right temperature in your home all year round. Low-e glass works by reflecting heat energy. It has a thin coating which will reflect heat back outside or inside depending on the season, leaving your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Change your window treatments
You could upgrade your curtains, blinds, or shutters to provide more insulation. This will help to make final touches if you’re refreshing your exterior. Shutters can be custom-made to fit exterior windows and create a rustic, country style. You could also switch out your lighter summer blinds for heavier curtains in winter, for instance.
Insulate your roof
A quarter of the heat your produce in the home will escape through the roof, so it’s essential to stay on top of roof maintenance. Inspect your roof for leaks and replace and broken tiles or worn out guttering. You may also want to add extra insulation to your roof to prevent the heat from escaping. It’s worth hiring roofing services to do this for you to ensure you get a professional job. They will also recommend the right type of insulation for your roof depending on the type of property you own and how you use your attic.
Seal drafty windows and doors
Heat can also escape through drafts in the windows and doors so look out for these. If you find any gaps, you can seal these off easily with caulk or sealant. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. It shouldn’t take long to do. If you have a spare afternoon you can probably DIY this. Here is a quick guide on how to seal drafts. You could also consider upgrading your doors as well as your windows if they’re particularly drafty. This will be a worthwhile investment if it saves you money on your energy bills in the long-term.
Upgrade your flooring
If you want to improve the insulation of your home, it’s advisable to consider flooring insulation options. These include underlayments made from poly foam, silicone, and recycled rubber and foam. Certain types of flooring are more insulating than others. Materials such as carpet, vinyl, and linoleum are very insulating combined with underlayment. Underlayments can wear out after a time so it’s a good idea to have these checked and replaced. You could also decorate your home with a few new rugs or carpets as these provide insulation. Add a personal touch to any room with a stylish new rug and improve insulation as well.
Consider going smart
One of the best ways to monitor the energy efficiency of your home is by going smart. There are several benefits of smart home technology. By upgrading to a smart home system, you’ll be able to control your thermostat remotely from a smartphone or other device and reduce your energy usage. You’ll also get notifications about how to make your home more energy-efficient. This will help you to understand whether your efforts to insulate your home have been successful and will point out any areas for improvement. Get your home properly insulated in time for the cooler months and this will save you money on your utility bills and keep you comfortable.