Popular Energy Efficient Home Upgrades in Nebraska

Nebraska’s hot summers and bitterly cold winters can make trying to keep your house comfortable an expensive proposition. Most homes also have at least a few issues that lead to energy being wasted and further contribute to high cooling and heating costs. By taking some steps to identify these issues and making certain upgrades, you can improve the energy efficiency of your house and save some serious money.

Start With a Home Energy Audit

The first step should always be to have an experienced, local professional perform a comprehensive home energy audit. The purpose of the audit is to identify areas where energy is being wasted, such as from outdated, inefficient appliances, ductwork leaks, leaky windows and doors, or insufficient insulation in the exterior walls and attic.

By identifying the biggest sources of waste, you can then prioritize making the most cost-effective home upgrades first. Many homeowners start with smaller things like installing more efficient lighting or replacing an old refrigerator. From there, you can focus on larger projects that will make an even bigger difference.

Insulation and Air Sealing Improvements

Insufficient insulation and air leaks are often among the biggest sources of energy waste, especially in older houses. Upgrading the insulation in your attic, basement/crawl space, and exterior walls greatly reduces heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter, helping to lessen the amount of work your HVAC system has to do. Ensuring your attic is properly insulated is especially important for trapping heat inside during the cold winter months. Sealing any air leaks, such as around window and door frames, is equally important for handling Nebraska’s cold winters and hot summers.

Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Windows and exterior doors can also be major sources of heat gain/loss. Replacing old single-pane windows with gas-filled double- or triple-pane windows makes a major difference. Multi-pane windows provide a much more effective thermal barrier that blocks out heat in summer and traps heat inside during winter. Windows with low-E glass are highly recommended because they have a coating that reflects heat and sunlight. Installing new windows and doors also helps reduce drafts and generally improve your year-round comfort.

Upgrading Heating and Cooling Systems

One of the most effective energy-efficient upgrades you can make is replacing an outdated heating or cooling system. Installing a new high-efficiency furnace or central AC can potentially save you up to a few hundred dollars a year on your energy bills. When you consider that the new unit will likely last for 12-15 years, you can quickly see just how much the savings can add up.

Upgrading to a heat pump or a geothermal HVAC system can help you save even more. Both systems provide cooling and heating, and they heat much more efficiently than furnaces. A geothermal system can be an especially great investment for the Midwest climate since it is the most energy-efficient heating and cooling option available.

Smart Thermostats and Energy Controls

Installing a smart thermostat is an extremely cost-effective way to lower your heating and cooling bills. Unlike a standard programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature settings for maximum efficiency. This helps to reduce energy waste during the peak summer and winter seasons when your HVAC system has to do much more work to keep the house fully comfortable.

Compared to a standard thermostat, a smart thermostat typically reduces how much a home’s heating and cooling systems run by around 8%-12% on average. During the cold Nebraska winter, some homeowners could even see as much as a 15%-20% reduction in their heating costs. A smart thermostat also provides the convenience of being able to adjust the temperature settings and control your HVAC system remotely with a mobile app.

Making Smart Upgrades for Long-Term Savings

If you’re looking to get the most value for your money, the areas to focus on first are insulation and air sealing, windows and exterior doors, and your HVAC system. Heating and cooling are the biggest sources of energy use, meaning you should always start by looking at ways that you can reduce the amount your HVAC system has to run.

Every home and family is different, meaning that the upgrades that make the most sense for one may not be the best solutions for another. As such, it’s important to plan energy-efficiency upgrades around your home’s specific needs and your budget.

At Willet Construction, we’ve been providing top-notch home remodeling services in Lincoln and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. From outdoor kitchens and decks to interior remodeling and door/window replacement, we’re ready to see to any of your needs.

If you’re looking for ways to save, schedule your home energy assessment with Willet Construction today!