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Knowledge is power: A home improvement that pays you back

Who doesn’t love new granite countertops or a remodeled bathroom with a fancy shower?

Although nice, those improvements cost you money. What if you could find a home improvement that grows your bank account?

Properly insulating and weatherizing your home brings dividends every month by lowering energy use and cutting the power bill with a bonus – increased comfort.

First, seal exterior cracks with caulk. It’s easy and economical. Check seams where building materials meet and around doors and windows.

The attic is next. Insulate attic spaces to at least an R-value of 38. (R-value measures thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.)

Next, check floors over crawlspaces or unheated basements. Insulate those to R-19.

In most cases, adding insulation in walls to homes built in the last 65 years is impractical. If your older home was built without any wall insulation, it may make sense. Consult a pro.

If you’re physically able to move around in tight attic or crawl spaces, you can save even more by making this a do-it-yourself project. If you’re not sure, hire a professional.

Should you replace windows? The answer is not as clear, and the savings may not justify the expense. But there may be other factors in the decision, like comfort issues or failing or rotting windows.

Click here for our free home energy evaluation.

 

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