Blog Post Updated on: May 22, 2019

In this post you will learn…

• How to save on home energy costs.  
• Which home improvement projects will increase the curb appeal of your home. 

Summer is here! That means the number of outside activities is going to increase at a fever pitch. That also means your home will probably be exposed to more family and friends than it was during the winter hibernation. You'll want it to be as inviting as possible if it's about to become a meeting place for going to the beach, picnics or hosting that company barbecue.

Summer also means that the familiar hum of the air conditioner is turned up to a roar. This may mean that energy is going out the windows if your home is not sealed properly and those waves of heat are finding their way into your house. If your home isn’t sealed properly, then your home or wall HVAC unit is doing double duty to cool you off.

But don’t worry. There are ways to save energy at home during the summer months, while making it comfortable and appealing. These home improvement projects are safe and easy, but you’ll notice right away the terrific results.

Replacement Windows

Faulty windows are a huge culprit in energy loss. In fact, nearly one-third of all energy escapes through the windows. There are many ways to insulate windows, but some windows are better off being replaced entirely.

If you notice excessive moisture and mildew, or if you have to fight with your windows just to open and close them, it may be time for replacements. Sometimes the inconveniences and maintenance for the old windows is not worth the hassle.

Replacement windows are a great investment. There are many styles and materials you can choose from, based on location, design and vision.

Once you have installed the new windows you’ll notice that your air conditioner doesn’t have to labor like a steam engine to cool your home. You may also notice that the sun is being blocked by high-performance, double- or triple- pane glass, and that noise is significantly lower. Now you can read that bestseller in peace.

Reputable window companies like Stanek Windows will evaluate your windows and show you how much energy is being lost.

Add a Deck or Screen Room

Your summer events would not be complete without a deck to entertain on. Not only is a deck a good way to host events in your backyard and bring together the family, it can also be a terrific way to save energy in your home.

If you already have a deck, you may want to enclose it with durable screens or glass. With your screened-in room there is no need to blast the air conditioner on nights when a summer breeze can perform the same task. You can play cards, share old memories, or just listen to the crickets chirp their sonnets. The screened-in room allows you to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors without having to swat at mosquitos all night or fish them out of your iced tea.

Or, extend your outdoor time with a three-season or all-season sunroom and enjoy nature year round. Be it screened-in room or sunroom, Patio Enclosures can custom design an enclosure to suit your needs.

New Entry Door vs. Storm Door

Which one is more important for your needs? Is it a new replacement door or a protective storm door that you should invest in this summer? It depends on if you are happy with your entry door. 

The entry door, or front door, is the stalwart guardian to your home. It is the first thing most people really see up close. It also serves another important function, it withstands the elements and protects the loved ones in your house.

The front door should be reliable and if possible should have metal or another weather-resistant material in between. If you already have a reliable front door, that is properly sealed, protect it with a storm door.

Some people are hesitant about this. They see a storm door like the plastic covering you put on couches. But the modern world has improved on the designs of the storm door. They are no longer the jagged rattling aluminum things that hammered with every strong gust of wind.

Take a look at some modern designs, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Insulated Siding

Siding can be a hassle to put up. It bends when you don’t want it to, and fights you as you struggle to nail it to its proper place. However, adding insulated siding is an amazing way to save energy in your home.

Even if your house is cushioned properly with a thick carpet of insulation and every nook and cranny is sealed off, air can still escape through the studs in your house. The wood can only do so much, but when you put up insulated siding, even the studs are shielded. Insulated siding acts as the first line of defense.

This is also a great way to give your house a dramatic makeover. Siding comes in a variety of colors and textures. Gone are the days where you can only get plain egg shell white, which has to be pressure washed every other week.

Planned Landscaping

Using natural elements to save energy is always clever. Well-designed landscaping will also draw people to your backyard to see what wonderful things you have planted.

This summer you can have a home where the vegetables have their own place, the flowers are resting in their own beds, and the trees are well trimmed while providing relaxing shade to the house. This will cut down on energy costs because your home will be bathed in shade. You can have the freedom to open those new replacement windows and experience the soothing breeze.

Landscaping can be a lot of work, but it is also very rewarding. Plan well and the rewards will far outweigh the amount of work it takes to maintain it. Your friends will also applaud you in your effort and ways to go green.

Now your air conditioning unit is purring instead of coughing and gasping to keep up. At night you can read a book out on your deck. Your friends, neighbors and co-workers all have made comments about how great your new siding and landscaping looks. After completing these projects, you will hear less noise outside and you sleep soundly knowing that you are saving money and energy with these five easy home improvement projects. Now go enjoy that bestseller.