Are you ready to save money on your home energy bills? Do you want to learn how to improve your home’s curb appeal? You have come to the right place. This article will teach you the top five home improvement projects that every homeowner should do this summer.

With summertime fast approaching, it is time to enjoy the great outdoors. This also means that more friends and family members will be visiting. Because of this, you want a home that is inviting and comfortable as it will be the meeting place for planning picnics or hosting a company barbecue. As the temperatures begin to climb, you will begin to rely more and more on your air conditioner. If your home is not properly sealed, summertime heat can leach its way into your home, causing your air conditioner to work twice as hard to keep you cool. There are many things you can do to help keep your home comfortable and still save money. These home improvement projects are simple. Once they are completed, you will begin reaping the benefits of a beautiful home that is nice and cool.

Replacement Windows

One of the main causes of energy loss is faulty windows. Approximately one-third of a home’s energy escapes through its windows. Although you can insulate your windows, it may be best to replace your old windows. Replacement windows are a worthwhile investment. These windows come in a variety of styles and designs to help you create the look you want. If you notice an excess amount of mildew or moisture in your home or opening and closing your windows are difficult, it may be time to have your windows replaced.

Once you have had new, replacement windows installed, you will notice a difference in your utility bills and the comfort of your home. Your air conditioner will not need to run as hard to keep your home cool. Double or triple pane windows not only block out heat and keep your air conditioning inside, but they can also reduce the amount of noise coming from the outside. A reputable window company like Stanek Windows will come to your home and determine how much energy you are losing through your old windows.

Adding a Sunroom or a Deck

When you are entertaining in the summer, you want to have a deck for you and your guests to enjoy. But, did you know that it can also save you money on your utility bills? By enclosing your deck using screen or glass, you can maximize your energy savings. With a screened in room, you will be able to enjoy those warm summer nights without fighting with insects. Imagine sitting out on your enclosed deck, enjoying a summer breeze while playing cards without getting bitten or bugs flying into your drink. Sound amazing? Then look into enclosing your deck. Additionally, a screened in room or a sunroom can extend the amount of time you are able to spend outdoors. Let Patio Enclosures show you how you can enjoy three seasons with a screened in porch or all seasons with a sunroom.

Is It Time for a New Front Door or a Storm Door?

When you are considering whether you should replace your entry door or your storm door, you must decide how happy you are with your current front door. Your front door is essential to your home’s safety. Additionally, it helps protect against the elements and is one of the first things that your visitors see. A front door should be made of weather resistant material like metal. The front door should seal properly to keep your air conditioning inside and the heat outside.

If you have a reliable, high-quality front door, protect it using a storm door. Many people are hesitant when it comes to installing a storm door because they believe all storm doors are rattly aluminum coverings that are unattractive. Most homeowners are surprised to learn that manufacturers now offer a number of modern designs that increase the aesthetics of the home. Say goodbye to an aluminum door and say hello to sleep designs that improve your home’s curb appeal.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Siding can be difficult to install because it can bend and bow as you are installing it. However, insulated siding is one of the best ways to save on summertime cooling bills. Most homeowners think that adding insulation to the walls of their home is all that needs to be done; however, your air conditioning can seep out if every crack is not sealed. Insulated siding provides an additional layer of protection to help keep your home sealed and energy efficient. Additionally, insulated siding comes in a variety of textures and colors, allowing you to do a beautiful home makeover while helping to keep your home comfortable.

Planned Landscaping

Many people do not realize that landscaping a lawn can also help to save energy. A well-designed lawn will draw visitors into your backyard. Couple this with some great shade trees to help keep your home cool. The shade from trees and bushes will help to lower the temperature of your home as well as increase the aesthetics of your home. A beautifully landscaped lawn will include a delicious vegetable garden and fruit trees, beautiful flowerbed and large trees to welcome your guests and provide a cool sanctuary to enjoy the outdoors.

Although landscaping is a lot of work, the rewards make it worthwhile. For best results, plan out your landscape before you dig in. Think carefully about how much work it will take to maintain your landscape during the planning stage. If you have a limited amount of time to dedicate to your gardening, opt for low maintenance plants. This will allow you to reap the benefits of a beautifully landscaped area without the work typically involved with a landscaped lawn.

As you can see, there are several things you can do this summer to help decrease your utility bills and increase the comfort of your home. Start planning out your summertime projects to increase your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency. These projects will decrease the amount of outside noise and lower your cooling bills. Replacement windows help to keep the sun’s harsh rays and heat out of your home. Adding a screened in porch will allow you to enjoy the gentle breezes of summer. A storm door adds an extra layer of insulation and enhances the security and beauty of your home. Finally, installing new insulated siding and planting shade trees in your lawn will keep your home cool throughout the summer.