Here are 5 tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

President George H.W. Bush proclaimed October to be Energy Awareness Month and in 2012, President Obama updated that proclamation to rename it Energy Action Month. He stated that this is a time when Americans are called up to work together, “to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children.”

What kind of home do you have? Is it as energy efficient as you think? Here are some things you can do to help your home perform better.
1 – Adequate attic insulation. This is especially important if your home is older. Your home was built to the codes and recommendations that were in place the year it was built. In more recent years, recommended insulation levels have increased. You may not have enough insulation in place. ENERGY STAR® recommends that most attics insulate to R-38, or about 10 – 14 inches, depending on the type of insulation. While checking the insulation, take a look at the openings for pipes, ductwork and chimneys to be sure any gaps are sealed.
2 – Proper attic ventilation. While it is important to be sure you have the right amount of insulation in your attic, it’s just as important to ensure that your attic is properly ventilated. Effective attic ventilation provides year-round benefits, creating cooler attics in the summer and drier attics in the winter. This leads top better performance of your roofing system as well.  Be sure to ask us how a solar-powered Attic Breeze attic fan can keep your attic properly ventilated without using electricity.
3 – Inspect heating and cooling equipment. If your equipment is more than 15 years old, it might be time to invest in an upgrade to a more efficient model. Check the filters in your furnace and be sure to replace any that are old or dirty.
4 – Check for air leaks. Walk around your home and look for gaps around doors and windows that can be sealed with weather stripping or caulk. Check your electrical boxes on exterior walls and ceilings. Consider adding an insulating pad to keep hot and cold air out. According to FamilyHandyman.com just a 1/8” gap around six electrical ceiling boxes is the equivalent of cutting a four-inch hole in your ceiling!
5 – Consider cool roofing. When it’s time to replace your roof, consider a cool roof shingle. These asphalt shingles contain a layer of highly reflective granules that reflect sunlight back off the roof and can prevent heat build-up. Cool roofs can help reduce energy use which, in turn, reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
At Texas Traditions Roofing, we’re happy to talk with you about energy-efficient roofing and ventilations solutions for your home. Schedule a free assessment today.