3 Steps Towards Home Energy Efficiency

Over the last 25 years I have gotten in and out of the remodeling and construction a few times. My newest venture is Genesee Crest Ltd., a remodeling company dedicated towards completing energy efficient home improvements. It is predicted that in the coming year energy prices will double and many home owners, living in homes that are not very energy efficient, will no doubt have trouble paying their energy bills. Much can be done to make your home more energy efficient and lets face it. If you don't put the money in your home, you will put it in the bank account of the utility company.

The following are the steps that Genesee Crest Ltd recommends that a home owner follow in order to make their home more energy efficient. If your home is in fairly decent to good condition, you can basically follow the steps in the order presented. Depending on your circumstances and funds available you may have to skip around. For example, if you have a window that is in bad shape and limited funds, skip insulation and fix the window.

Step One - Sealing leaks for energy efficiency

The first thing that a home owner can look at is the sealing of any air leaks in the exterior of the home. I recommend starting with the foundation of your home. If you have a block or concrete wall foundation, inspect the foundation for cracks. For a block foundation, inspect the mortar between the blocks for cracks. Any crack large enough that you can fit a penny into it should be repaired. Your local hardware store will carry a product for hydraulic mortar repair. Follow the directions on the container, mixing it with the appropriate amount of water and stuff if into the cracks of your mortar. If a crack extends below the ground it would be a good idea to dig down and repair the entire crack line. Depending on the condition of your foundation it may be a good idea to get a contractor to take a look at it. If you have a history of water getting under your home or in your basement, now is a good time to dig up the foundation, seal it with black tar and install a foam insulation like polyisocyanates (available at your local lumber yard) to the exterior.