Why Are my Home’s Energy Bills so High?
Nobody likes opening up their bills, and most people hate energy bills most of all. Because they can fluctuate so greatly from month-to-month depending on the weather, they tend to produce quite a bit of anxiety, especially if they suddenly spike for an indiscernible reason—and especially when they won’t go back down!
There are many reasons why your household energy bills can suddenly go sky-high, a malfunctioning HVAC system and strange weather being a few. A particular cause that’s often overlooked, though: a poorly cared-for exterior! Haggerty Windows & Siding, your Urbandale siding company, window contractor, and more discusses a few potential energy-sappers on your home’s exterior below.
Insulation in Need of Care
You might not think of your roofing as something that influences your home’s insulation; after all, wind hits the side of your home, not the top! But your attic space, in reality, is filled with insulation that helps to keep warm air inside and cool air out—or vice versa, depending on the season. When this insulation isn’t working like it should be, your home loses more of the air your HVAC has worked to warm or cool, and your energy bills soar.
What causes insulation to fail? Quite a few things; your insulation contractor will be able to delve into the details of your specific case. A common one, though, is dampness, caused by roof leaks or insufficient roofing ventilation which in turn promotes condensation.You also might just not have enough insulation in the first place.
Inefficient Windows
Drafts can be dastardly when it comes to your energy use, as they not only make your HVAC work harder, but they also can tempt you to use space heaters. Say hello to a pricey electric bill! Old-fashioned single-pane windows can also do a poor job of blocking the outdoor temperatures thanks to their relative lack of insulator layers. Consider double-pane or even triple-pane replacement windows for improved insulation and thus more energy efficiency.
Siding in Need of an Upgrade
If your siding is on the older side of things, chances are it’s not doing its fair share of work when it comes to saving your home money on its energy expenditures. Siding companies have made great strides in recent years in terms of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. If you have aged siding, it never hurts to contact a siding contractor and see if they can recommend a more modern, energy-savvy alternative.
Haggerty Windows & Siding: Here to Help You Save
From roof repair to siding installation, we have all the skills you need to maximise your home’s energy savings. Give our Urbandale office a call today at 515-953-6999.