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Reducing your carbon footprint is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for your wallet. Certain home improvements—from updating your lighting to getting a new roof installation—curtail your energy usage and, thus, help you save on the monthly utility bills. They might also raise the property’s value. For ideas of where to begin, consult the guide below.

Green Home Improvement Projects

1. Switch to LEDs

LED, or light emitting diode, lights are approximately 90 percent more efficient than incandescent light bulbs because they emit light in a specific direction rather than every direction. They also don’t release most of their energy as heat like incandescent bulbs do, meaning you don’t have to run your air conditioner as high to counteract them. Many find their more-bluish light to be soothing, so consider replacing your bulbs throughout the home for an instant change. 

2. Upgrade Windows

Windows are a common weak spot in your home’s efficiency—responsible for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling use due to leakage. While replacing your windows with new, ENERGY STAR® certified ones is the best option, you can also make a difference by replacing the weather stripping around the frame.

3. Add or Replace Insulation

Over time, your home’s insulation wears. Moisture can damage it, as can pests, and as a result, a lot of your home’s heated or cooled air is lost. The best place to add insulation is in the attic, which should be between 10 to 14 inches thick, depending on the material.

4. New Cool Roof Installation

roof installationAn outdated roof installation can also allow heat to move freely in and out of your home, costing you significantly. If you’re getting a replacement, choose a cool material that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing the heat, such as metal, cool asphalt shingles, or tile. These also tend to have a longer life span, making a more worthwhile investment.

 

Looking to update your home? Chavez Roofing & Construction in Lakewood, CO, will upgrade your windows, insulation, and roofing. This skilled contractor is accredited with the Better Business Bureau® for their attractive, efficient, and affordable services. Read more home maintenance tips on Facebook. See their full list of offerings online. Then, call (720) 579-5188 to schedule a free estimate.

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