7 Energy-Efficient Exterior Remodeling Ideas to Reduce Utility Bills

October 22, 2024
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Utah’s hot summers and dry, cold winters mean you must rely on your HVAC system to stay comfortable. However, it’s often expensive to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. 

Adding to the woes, Rocky Mountain Power, Utah’s largest power supplier, has proposed a rate increase of 18.1%. Utah residents will pay $14.28 more per month should this hike go through. This means improving your home’s energy profile is necessary to protect your wallet from these rising costs.

At BH Exterior and Design, we know how important it is to cut energy costs without sacrificing comfort. With these seven practical and effective exterior home remodeling tips, you can save energy and lower utility bills.

Let’s break them down for you one by one.

1. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

If your windows are old and struggling, which is a sign you need exterior home renovation, you might want to consider replacing them with their energy-efficient counterparts.

Old windows often let the heat escape in the winter and cool air in the summer. This heat loss and heat gain is responsible for 25%–30% of your residential heating and cooling energy use. Replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones can help you keep it in check. 

We recommend double-pane or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These coatings reflect heat back into your home during winter and keep it out in the summer. Upgrading to these ENERGY STAR® certified windows can lower your energy bills by an average of 13%.

2. Upgrade to Insulated Siding

Your siding affects how well your house can retain heat or cool air. Insulated or energy-efficient house siding offers an extra layer of protection by reducing heat transfer. It wraps your home in a blanket of insulation, keeping temperatures steady year-round.

Whether you want to upgrade to vinyl, fiber cement, or wood siding, all these sidings can come with extra insulation options. In addition to helping you cut heating and cooling costs, this home exterior remodel will boost your curb appeal.

3. Install a Cool Roof

Another energy-efficient remodeling solution we recommend is a cool roof. Standard roofing materials absorb a lot of heat, which can cause your home to overheat, especially in the hot Utah summer. But, a cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. 

According to the US Department of Energy, traditional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a hot, sunny day, while cool roofs can stay more than 50°F cooler under the same conditions. This simple exterior home remodel can lower your peak cooling demand by 11%–27%, which can help you save substantial money in the long run.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Air leaks around doors, windows, and other exterior openings can waste a lot of energy. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping helps you stay comfortable throughout the year without breaking the bank. It’s a quick and cost-effective upgrade, but it can help you save around 10%-20% on your energy bills.

If you are already thinking of renovating the exterior of your house, consider sealing gaps and cracks. Focus on areas like window frames, door thresholds, and around electrical outlets. Regularly check these areas for any drafts and reapply sealants as needed.

5. Upgrade Your Exterior Doors

Just like old windows, outdated or poorly insulated doors can be a big source of energy loss in your home. Replacing them with energy-efficient options like fiberglass or steel doors can improve insulation. These doors are often foam-filled and designed with tight-fitting frames that help prevent drafts and air leaks.

That said, if you have already installed a new door recently as part of your exterior home remodel or if your current door is still in good shape, replacing it might not be the best move. You likely won’t see significant energy savings, and it can be costly to swap out a relatively new door. 

In this situation, adding a storm door might be a good investment. This exterior home remodel lets you save energy without replacing your existing doors and windows. It adds an extra layer of protection by reducing air leaks and providing better insulation. 

However, have a trusted exterior renovation contractor take a look at your existing doors first. They can recommend whether you should replace your old door or add a new storm door. 

6. Install Energy-Efficient Exterior Lighting

If you are thinking of upgrading your exterior lighting for a porch makeover or to boost curb appeal, switching to LED lights is a smart move. These lights provide the same brightness as traditional bulbs but use 90% less energy and last 15 times longer. This means you will see big savings over time.

For even more efficiency, consider adding motion sensors or solar-powered lights. Motion sensors ensure the lights only come on when needed, while solar lights charge during the day and cost nothing to run at night. It’s brilliant energy-efficient remodeling that reduces energy use and keeps your home well-lit.

7. Use Landscaping to Save Energy

While it may not seem like a typical exterior home renovation, strategic landscaping can improve your home’s energy profile. Thoughtfully placed trees can help keep your home cooler in the summer and shield it from chilly winds in the winter. This simple strategy can cut your cooling costs by up to 25% during Utah’s hot summers. 

When planning your landscape, try a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. In Utah, popular evergreens like Austrian pine, Bosnian pine, and Blue Atlas Cedar can work wonders for winter windbreaks. Deciduous trees like Goldenrain, Norwegian sunset maple, streetspire oak, and crabapple can provide much-needed shade in the summer.

For maximum energy savings, plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home for shade in the warmer months and evergreens on the north and northwest to block cold winter winds. It’s a simple, natural way to keep your home more comfortable year-round and also boost its value

Looking for Energy-Efficient Remodeling in Utah? 

Energy-efficient exterior remodeling not only lowers utility bills but also makes your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly. From upgrading windows and doors to installing energy-saving exterior lights, there are many ways to boost your home’s efficiency. Most of these improvements also increase your home’s value, which makes them a smart investment.

If you are looking for Energy-efficient exterior remodeling in Utah, BH Exterior and Design is here to help. We can help you with everything from insulated sidings to roofing and porch makeovers. Contact us to know how we can help.

By tackling even just a few of these projects, you can start seeing noticeable savings on your energy bills right away.


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