If there is something that must be on your to do list this year, is making your home energy efficient. If you had caught onto this trend in the past years, well done for you and keep it up. You have not embarked on this journey yet it is never too late to start and this year is the perfect time.
Source: Wikimedia CommonsMaking your home energy efficient is something you need to do to keep up with the green development to keep us in a sustainable world. If you are not much of a green thumb, then know that using less energy significantly raises the value of your home. Many methods exist leaving you spoiled for choice. However, it is best to start from somewhere, therefore begin with the least energy efficient part of your home, your windows.
Here are some tips to making your windows more energy efficient:
1. Plant the creepers
Ever seen a house with plants up the walls? These plants help to cool the home. Plant them around the exterior of your windows and doors. They bloom in summer keeping you cool and shed in winter keeping your house warm when the sun hits you. In addition, if well kept, they make your home look beautiful.
2. Get Energy Efficient Windows
Energy efficient windows has double glass with air in between. The air acts as insulation making it harder for cold to enter your home in the winter and heat to enter your home in the summer.
3. Seal the air spaces
Loosely fit windows have room to let in air which means that your house is extremely cold in winter requires you to crank up the radiator. Instead of using so much energy, simply seal up the spaces. Consult your local contractor for the best option but you can use silicon or caulk.
4. Get awning windows
Awnings are an alternative to energy efficient windows. They are a proven method to regulate the temperature in your home regardless of the season. You can add them to your windows easily on your own or hire the services of a contractor. They are also available in various materials ranging from many types of wood, metal, hard plastic and even strong fabric.
5. Go the solar way
One of the most efficient ways to make your home energy efficient is to install solar screens over your windows. Solar screens have been proven to increase your energy efficiency by over 20%. These dark screens are placed on the outside of your windows creating shade but allowing sunlight into the room. For those however, who like a splash of color they might not be as pleasing to the eye for you.