Energy efficient home renovations ideas & tips

Energy efficient renovations
Bathroom
The outside walls behind tubs or showers are often poorly insulated and air-sealed. Opening these walls as part of the remodeling project provides an opportunity to seal air leaks with caulk or expanding foam, and install insulation. Also, make sure to air seal around plumbing and electrical penetrations, especially recessed lighting. Provide for adequate ventilation in the bathroom, and make sure the vent fan discharges to the outdoors.
Insulation Basics
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy. Heating and cooling costs comprise more than 50% of the energy consumed in a single family home. Adding the recommended levels of insulation will save energy, reduce utility costs and improve comfort. Proper installation is critical; gaps and compressed areas will dramatically reduce effectiveness.
Insulation provides additional benefits including noise reduction, fire resistance and safety. Factors that affect the performance of insulation, and should be considered when choosing the appropriate type for the job, are insulating capacity, fire resistance, moisture control, convective heat loss, settling and loss of insulating capacity.
Basements
If the basement space in a hot or cold climate is not properly insulated, walls will be a significant source of energy loss. Basement insulation systems must be carefully considered because of the inherent moisture problems and the resulting mold problems that may be exacerbated by inappropriately insulating a basement. Furring out and insulating the inside of the wall is often possible and cost-effective.
Roofs
A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat—also known as solar reflectance. Cool roofs can be made of a highly reflective type of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles or shingles. Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof—however, you must consider climate and other factors before deciding to install one.
By replacing old windows with windows that let light in but keep heat out, you can illuminate and cool building interiors more efficiently. By upgrading or replacing old, inefficient HVAC equipment, you can reduce energy consumption. The climate where you live plays an enormous role on the types of energy efficient renovations you should make and an experienced local contractor will be able to examine your home and help you design a plan within your budget.