Energy efficiency is all the craze these days. As exterior remodelers here in Minnesota specializing in energy-efficient home improvements, we pay attention to what's of interest to homeowners here in the Twin Cities area.

With all of the upgrades going into the energy efficiency of homes in our area, you probably are concerned that you’re doing the same with yours. By shrinking the amount you pay every month in your utility bill and increasing the value of your home, you'll benefit in the long run by investing in changes that can be made to your home.

The amount you gain for value in your home depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your home, the number and type of upgrades you do, the area you live in and others. However, improving overall efficiency is going to have a good return on investment, regardless of these factors.

Get an Energy Assessment

It is always recommended that you get an energy assessment done. (Many utility companies offer this for no charge, or at a reduced cost.) You can then figure out where the energy is being lost. The professionals will go through your home and test every area so you can figure out which areas might need the most work.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances Believe it or not, the appliances throughout a home make a difference in the amount that you pay every month. By switching to more efficient models for many of the appliances that you use, you can save a lot more money.Pay special attention to high energy consumers like washers and dryers and water heaters.  Those three make up more than one-fourth of an average home's energy consumption.  Heating and cooling account for almost half, so switching to energy efficient furnaces and A/C units can make a big impact. Does Your Home Have Sufficient Insulation?

The insulation throughout a home is going to make or break how comfortable it is on the inside. You want to make sure you have sufficient insulation - especially in the exterior walls and the attic space. These areas are going to call for the most insulation when it comes to comfort and how much you pay.

Choose Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

The windows and exterior doors should be replaced if they are older. When these windows and doors become older, they leave areas where heating and cooling leaks occur. When this happens, the inside of the home becomes uncomfortable and you pay much more than you should heat and cool the inside of the home, even if the air is leaving as soon as it comes in.

If you’re ready to make some exterior upgrades to your home, then speak with us here at Quarve Contracting. We can provide you with more tips and tricks to keep your home more comfortable overall.  We install energy-efficient roofing, siding, windows, and exterior doors.