Making the Sun Work for You Can Help Your Energy Bill

People are increasingly becoming aware of their impact on the environment, and many are trying to figure out ways to save energy and have a better effect on the planet. If you are looking into ways to make your home more energy efficient, skylights, sunrooms, and quality windows can help lower your energy bills, and give you greener alternatives in your home.

A green home is a healthier place to live, requires less maintenance, and gives you a more comfortable living space.

Skylights

Skylights might seem like a luxury item in a home, but they can definitely fall into the green area of home improvement. Not only does the look of your home improve, but the lighting is better and it is a more comfortable place to be. Of any window in your home, a skylight has the most potential to increase the energy efficiency. Skylights also maximize the amount of natural lighting that you have in the home. And knowing that you are investing in a better world for the generations to come is also worth the value that it may cost upfront to install a skylight and decrease your home’s carbon footprint.

It is important, however, to understand the best location for a skylight in your home. Not all areas will benefit from having a skylight. Southern facing skylights will be the most beneficial when it comes to energy savings. A wisely placed skylight can help heat your home in the winter, and if it is shaded properly, it will also maximize the energy savings in the summer.

Sunrooms

The addition of a sunroom to your home can also be a green alternative to help you save on rising energy costs. The same concept applies with placement of skylights as with sunrooms. You need to have them facing to the south to bring you the most energy savings.

A sunroom that faces south will get direct sunlight all year round, and provides the most impact during the winter. If you install stone, brick or concrete floors, you can also get additional passive solar heating in the winter because these materials soak up the heat and release it when the temperatures cool off.

Windows

Windows can help or hurt your energy consumption depending on the quality and efficiency rating. They can contribute to the heat in your house in the summer and allow the warm air to escape in the winter. If you are looking to replace some windows in your home, consider spending more on better rated windows that will save you in the long run. Depending on the age of your windows, you can increase your home’s efficiency by 30% or more with good windows. Double pane windows will give you more efficiency and Low E windows prevent heat loss in the winter and keep the heat out in the summer. The type of window frame you have can also either help you or hurt you. Aluminum and steel frames don’t help your energy efficiency, but wood, vinyl and fiberglass frames that are insulated will help with your overall energy bills.

Skylights, sunrooms and windows are three areas where you can help the sun work for you to reduce your energy bills. By looking into these green alternatives and others, you will be creating a more comfortable, convenient and cost-effective home.

This post was written by Derek Dasher who blogs about home security and other home-related topics at YourLocalSecurity.com.