Consider 3 ways to “save energy” when remodeling; Go Solar! Implement a high-efficiency Heating and Air Conditioning system. And insulate your home with icynene spray foam.
We provide the main reasons these updates make sense for scheduling them into your remodeling project, down-to-the-stud renovations, or with new home construction.
This post is for home buyers and current homeowners looking for energy-saving ideas as you plan to renovate your home.
Go Solar for Saving Energy
Solar panels increase the value of your home.
For high-efficiency solar panels, Connaughton Construction recommends either Sun power or the LG energy.
The exact amount of any potential property value increase can depend upon your geographic location and the size of your installation. But according to a nationwide study by the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, resale values increase an average of $4 for each additional solar watt installed. A 5 KW system can increase the value of the home by $20,000.
Additional research from the Appraisal Institute supports these findings. As America’s largest professional association of property appraisers, this organization works closely with solar stakeholders to determine the impact that green power investments have on property values. The Appraisal Institute found that, for every $1 in annual electricity bill savings that solar panels provide, home resale values go up an average of $20.
The Benefits of solar panels for homeowners
Solar helps Reduce Electric bills
One of the biggest reasons to go solar is that you can eliminate or significantly reduce your electric bill. An average monthly electric bill of $200 becomes an annual $2,400 expense. … By installing a solar panel system, you also fix your electricity costs and make them more predictable. According to Direct Energy solar panels lower the cost of electricity bills ].
Solar Panels reduce Carbon Emissions
The use of solar energy reduces the carbon footprint. The power supplied by your system reduces the amount your home has to rely on conventional utilities, which burn polluting fossil fuels to generate electricity. Every kilowatt installed lowers your home’s carbon footprint by over 3,000 pounds annually. Polluting fossil fuels is electricity made with coal, natural gas, and oil.
4 main reasons why updating your HVAC during a home remodeling is a smart move.
- HVAC Updates & Home Remodeling Go Hand in Hand
One of the most logical reasons to update your HVAC during a home renovation is simply because the work required. “Removing walls, drywall, and plaster is very common during renovations. So let’s say you complete a large home renovation. Then next year, you find out you need to replace your furnace. The drywall and plaster will have to be cut through again. This means more work, more repairs, more expense. Connaughton explains.
- Your HVAC Should Match Your New or Remodeled Home
“ Your HVAC needs change when your home changes” Connaughton explains. Typically, when a significant renovation is done and the windows & doors in your home are upgraded, your home will end up being better insulated. Typically, this results in your home having less demand for heating and cooling. This means it probably also needs a smaller furnace or air conditioner. “ When it comes to your HVAC, bigger is not better. A unit that is too large for your home will end up short cycling. Short cycling means it will blast on and off in a highly inefficient manner, thereby increasing your utility bill.” Connaughton explains. Having an inappropriately performing unit will also lead to an increase in wear and tear on the unit, quicker time to breakdown and temperature differences throughout the home.
- A Home Renovation May Damage Your Old HVAC
“During a renovation, drywall, plaster, and construction dust may find its way into your furnace or A/C unit. This could reduce efficiency and increase the chance of a future breakdown”, Connaughton explains. Since the HVAC tends to take a beating during a renovation, it makes sense to update it during a renovation project.
- Keeping Up With Safety Regulations
“ Safety codes and standards are constantly being updated and new regulations pop up all the time” Connaughton explains. If you have an older furnace or A/C unit in your home, many components of that unit may no longer be to code or meet current safety standards.
What are some of the high-end high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems residents of Boston are implementing?
Just like your furnace, replacing an older inefficient A/C can save you big time. Air–conditioning systems are measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.) High efficient systems will pay for themselves over the units lifetime, allowing you cool, dry, and most of all – affordable air.
The most efficient system is a heat pump system with a high-efficiency gas or electric furnace. While a heat pump may seem to be an extra expense, in the long run, it is going to offer savings on your heating bill every month.
Connaughton Construction recommends Mitsubishi as a high-efficiency electric heat and cooling pump. Lennox is our selection for high-efficiency gas heating and cooling.
Spray Foam Insulation
Icynene insulation spray foam insulation is popular and widely used insulation for residential and commercial buildings in the Boston area. It helps seal air gaps, keeping moisture out and preventing mold issues. Use icynene spray foam insulation in vented attics, unvented attics, external walls, crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, and basements. Icynene spray foam insulation can adhere to most surfaces, including steel, wood, concrete, and masonry.
3 ways to Prepare for Northeast winters for Bostonians.
Connaughton Construction has helped many homeowners size HVAC systems that are right for their homes as renovations may change the size of a system. If you are unsure, please have our experts analyze your system. You are in good hands with Connaughton Construction. We’ve worked with homeowners installing spray foam insulation and installation of solar panels.