Your home’s exterior is the first thing you see when you arrive at home after a chaotic day of work. Therefore, it makes sense to make updates to your home’s exterior so that it makes a welcoming impression. The good news is that there are many updates you can make that are also energy-efficient. Check this list to see if there are any improvements that sound appealing: new windows, accent lighting, crushed stone, and a new roof. All of these provide energy-efficient home improvements that can boost your curb appeal.
New Windows
If your windows have seen better days, installing new windows can be a quick way to improve your home’s appearance and energy efficiency. Double- or triple-pane windows have exceptional insulating properties that significantly reduce the flow of energy from inside to outside. Plus, you can order custom windows to match any unique windows that may be installed around your home.
Accent Lighting
To ensure that your home makes a statement after the sun goes down, it’s important to install some accent lighting around your home’s exterior. Accent lighting comes in all shapes and sizes, from small fixtures that focus on a specific architectural feature to large floodlights that are designed to enhance security. If you opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs, you’ll be able to light your home for a fraction of the cost.
Crushed Stone
When it comes to energy-efficiency, it’s important to consider resource conservation in addition to energy usage. That’s why adding crushed stone to your landscape is a great option to improve the environmental-friendliness of your home. If the stone replaces grass or another planted material, you will be able to save significant amounts of water, fertilizer, and pesticides in the course of caring for your new landscape element.
New Roof
Your roof makes a major difference in the overall look of your home. That’s why updating your roof is a great way to make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal. If you opt for a metal or slate tile roof, you will also notice major gains in energy-efficiency compared to a typical asphalt shingle roof. Plus, since metal and tile roofs last longer than an asphalt shingle roof, you’ll be able to save on replacement costs over time.
Consider the Cost
When making any improvement to your home in the name of improving energy-efficiency, it’s important to consider the cost of such an improvement. You want to make sure that you can recoup your investment over the lifetime of the product to ensure it’s worth your while. Of course, protecting the earth for future generations is also an important consideration, meaning that this is something to take into account, as well.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan