One of the many benefits of certain types of siding is that they can help you save on your energy bills. In today’s post, siding and replacement windows contractor Homecraft Inc. discusses how the right siding products can help make your home more energy-efficient.
To better explain how siding works in relation to energy efficiency, let us first discuss the energy envelope. All buildings meant to be occupied by people feature insulated walls, roof, and fenestrations (entry doors, skylights, and windows), which, when combined, form the energy envelope. The intent is to maintain consistent indoor temperatures by keeping the rate of thermal transfer to as low as possible, which should result in minimal heat loss during winter and minimal heat gain during summer. Lower indoor heating and cooling requirements should then result in energy savings, making the building more energy-efficient.
Insulated siding, like CedarMAX® by ProVia®, can help improve your home’s energy efficiency by serving as another layer of insulation. Exterior walls by themselves are not fully insulated. Rather, the cavities between the framing are filled with insulating material while the framing may still conduct heat depending on what material is used. Having insulated siding compensates for poorly-insulated areas.
In addition to choosing insulated siding, the following can also help you save on your energy bills.
• Install energy-efficient replacement windows — Traditional uninsulated windows are a common avenue for thermal transfer, mainly due to its single pane glass. Vinyl windows with double or triple pane glass options are less conductive and complement the insulation found in the siding.
• Look for ENERGY STAR® certification — The ENERGY STAR certification is your assurance that the product is tested for energy efficiency. While typically seen on computers and household appliances, ENERGY STAR also certifies siding, replacement windows and roofing systems.
• Hire a home performance auditor — A home performance audit conducted by a professional can help identify energy problems in your home, from inefficient appliances to parts of the house that may be allowing thermal transfer. After providing the report, the auditor will help you come up and implement a plan with the goal of improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Homecraft Inc. is your leading provider of siding and wood window installation services. Give us a call at (302) 703-1109. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Wilmington and Bear, DE.
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