Winter Home Improvement Projects to Improve Energy Efficiency

With heating costs rising across Massachusetts and New England, many homeowners are thinking about how they can make their homes more energy efficient. Fortunately, homeowners can invest in several different projects that will increase their home's energy efficiency and cut back on drafts and energy costs. Here's a look at a few of the most popular and effective upgrades.

Replacement Windows Can Increase Energy Efficiency

Window technology has made leaps and bounds in energy efficiency over the last few years. If your windows are more than five or ten years old, investing in new windows can eliminate draftiness and improve the energy efficiency of your home to help you save money and stay comfortable year-round. New windows are double-paned and contain gas between the panes that improve their energy efficiency even further.

Replacement windows are installed into your home's existing window frames and come in a large variety of sizes, shapes, and pane options. Most replacement windows are constructed of low-maintenance vinyl, which is available in a wood look if homeowners prefer a woodgrain finish. Bruin can install replacement windows year-round, including over the winter.

Add Insulation to Save on Heating Costs

Most homes in Massachusetts contain an inadequate amount of insulation. Many older homes contain no insulation at all. Without insulation, heat escapes through your home's walls and attic, wasting energy and money as you struggle to keep your home warm and comfortable.

Adding insulation to your attic, walls, and other areas of your home can improve comfort and help you save on your heating bill. Bruin installs fiberglass and cellulose blown-in insulation, which allows us to achieve optimal insulation levels, even in hard-to-reach areas of your home. Bruin can install blown-in insulation year-round, including over the winter.

Upgrade to Insulated Vinyl Siding to Prepare for Next Winter

While you may have to wait until the weather warms up to upgrade your home's siding, investing in insulated vinyl siding for your home this spring can help you prepare for next winter and save on future heating costs. Insulated vinyl siding is an innovative product that is low-maintenance and attractive while offering improved energy efficiency.

With insulated vinyl siding, rigid foam board insulation is installed directly onto the house-facing side of the vinyl clapboard. This additional insulation can improve your home's resistance to heat flow by 20 percent or more. In addition to these energy-saving benefits, you upgrade your home's curb appeal with durable, low-maintenance siding. Bruin is a VSI-certified installer, one of the few certified installers serving Central Massachusetts.

Take Advantage of Mass Save®

However you choose to increase the energy efficiency of your home, you can save money on installation costs with the Mass Save® program. This state-run program offers no-cost home energy audits, incentives, and rebates to make energy-efficient updates to your home. The Bruin team can help you understand how to take advantage of this helpful program.

If you don't want to suffer through another cold, drafty winter, get in touch with Bruin. We can help you stay comfortable and save money on your energy bills.