What are some improvements that can be done to make it more energy efficient? Upstairs gets pretty hot. Radiant barriers? Windows? Solar screen?
Does it get hot due to the sun beating in through the windows or is it because the A/C doesn't work well?
Buy a programmable thermostat. Set it to turn off when not home and on just before you get home, using as little AC or heating as possible. Mi Casa Verde home controller and energy monitoring right now on sale at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007005364?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Add insulation in the attic Seal windows with caulk Outlet seals http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-Foam-Electrical-Outlet-and-Wall-Plate-Insulating-Kit-OS12H/100184290#.UUnfImfX-Xs Windows shades closed during the day http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/for-the-home/departments/window-treatments/categories/blinds-shades-/cat.jump?id=cat100260228&deptId=dept20000011&N=4294966813
Swoly recommends a product called Mi Casa Verde. Anyway, I am purchasing an older (built in 1998) house soon, and as such if we could just get a bunch of recommendations/advice/tips in this thread for making your home more energy efficient, I would appreciate it. By energy efficient I strictly mean lowering energy costs. Don't care 'bout no Earth stuff.
In my experience new, double-pane windows seem to make the biggest difference in a house with preexisting builder-supplied insulation. A new AC might help if yours is ancient.
Radiant barrier is great. I moved from a house built in 1998 to one built in 2005. Not a huge difference but my new house is better built. It has radiant barrier. And even though the new house is nearly twice the square footage of the other, the monthly electricity is lower. And oh, I do have double pane windows too. And a reflective tint on the windows.
I'm going to have to do both of these ASAP. The attic needs more insulation pretty badly. Some interior walls are exposed in the attic. I assume it will be a pain in the ass.
Added insulation to an attic. Took 3 hours to get it up and in. Made almost a 12 degree difference. Next will try radiant barrier. Double pane windows seem to pricey.
I don't recommend it, I just let him know it's cheap right now. Kid you not, though, I thought to myself "WTF? Casa Verde? What, are Spanish-speaking U.S. and A. peeps into 'energy saving' now? We are NOT. "
The back of the house gets hit directly by the sun but there is a naked ash tree that's suppose to repel some when it grows.
I bought a 12 year old house. A few things helped me: A/C serviced Programmable thermostat Solar screens Cellular blinds Interior storm windows on some key windows Storm doors Closing the fireplace damper. I left this open for 2 years The storm doors and interior storm windows help shut out a lot of noise and also keep bugs out. Financially, these improvements cut 8% off my electric bill.
I'm seeing some radiant barrier (foil) on Craigslist for cheap. Why is it expensive to have it installed? All you need is a stapler. I'm no handy men I tell ya.
A lot of good recommendations here. I would also add to make sure your attic has plenty of roof ventilation and if you are putting in new windows get one's with a low-e selective tint (this is a window tinting that lets in plenty of light but blocks infrared). Also if you are in a market for a house one with large eaves can help by providing more shade and rain protection.
A lot of companies when it gets installed on a preexisting roof it is sprayed on (Paint). When I got my new roof I installed radiant barrier decking. That had a foil backing on the wood deck.
