Most homes in the Greater Binghamton area are not as safe, healthy, comfortable or efficient as they could be. We all know that there's always more to be done, but most of us don't have an endless amount of money at our disposal. So what should you spend on with a limited budget to proactively improve your home? Here are some thoughts. Of course, if you already know your hot water tank is on it's last legs, or your drains won't clear, then you know where you need work completed.
Inadequate insulation, air leakage, bad duct design, and poorly sized HVAC equipment are just a few of the problems that are all-too-common in homes in the area. This can make the prospect of boosting home performance daunting for many homeowners, but fortunately even the smallest of projects can make a major difference. If you’re on a limited budget, you, too, can enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. Not sure where to start? Here is a brief guide to prioritizing home performance projects for your home.
Priority #1: Energy Audit Why schedule an energy audit before anything else? An energy audit will give you a comprehensive look at your home’s performance, telling you about which areas of your home need the most immediate attention. In this way, an energy audit is the ultimate tool in helping you prioritize the upgrades you want to make in your home. A professional will show you the estimated potential energy savings for the projects you have in mind. This allows you to prioritize your retrofit upgrades according to cost effectiveness.
Priority #2: Attic Insulation Did you know that about 90% of American homes are under-insulated? In these homes, the attic tends to need the most attention. That makes installing insulation in your attic one of the best things you can do after getting an energy audit. Insulation installation is a surprisingly affordable upgrade that creates a thermal barrier between your home and the outside, keeping conditioned air from your HVAC systems indoors. Benefits of attic insulation include better moisture control, more comfortable indoor temperatures, lower energy bills, less work for your HVAC systems, and a quieter home.
Priority #3: New Equipment How old is your current HVAC and water heating equipment? New, high efficiency equipment can increase home comfort and save you money in the long run, making it another great upgrade to put near the top of your home performance project list. The professionals at BODEK INC. can help you determine the condition of your heating system, AC system, or water heater — and how much money and energy you could save by upgrading to new equipment.
If you’re looking to enhance your home’s performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experts. We will help you boost home performance in a way that suits your budget.