Energy-Efficiency Steps Energy Efficient Remodel Homes Remodeling Remodels Green Home Improvement Energy Star Energy-Efficiency Renovation House DFW Dallas Fort Worth North Texas

There are certain steps that should start any remodeling job to be energy-efficient. Remember: You are not addressing health or air quality here, only energy efficiency.

All-Electric Home	Home with Natural Gas or Propane
1. Have a plan. Get assistance formulating your plan unless you are very knowledgeable about the green/energy-efficient remodeling process.	1. Have a plan Get assistance formulating your plan unless you are very knowledgeable about the green/energy-efficient remodeling process.
2. Seal leaks in building envelope by extensive caulking!	2. Seal leaks in building envelope by extensive caulking!
3. Solar hot water. Using electricity to heat water is very expensive. The technology for solar hot water is quite advanced and it is relatively inexpensive to install. It pays for itself in three-to-five years, according to the experts, and provides free-or-almost-free hot water for many years. More information about renewable energy	3. Solar hot water if you have propane hot water. If you have gas hot water, insulate your tank and pipes.
4. Attic Insulation. Either non-spray radiant barrier or open-cell foam provide the most energy-saving solutions. Decide if you will use radiant barrier or open-cell foam in your attic. Radiant barrier is less expensive but it is not as energy efficient, it does not seal the attic (very important) and it does nothing for health. You will still need to seal or replace your duct-work. Open-cell foam is more energy efficient but it is more expensive. If you use open-cell foam, follow the suggestions in the test results. If you use radiant barrier, seal or replace your duct work if it is in the attic. Then follow the suggestions in the test results.	3. Attic Insulation. Either non-spray radiant barrier or open-cell foam provide the most energy-saving solutions. Decide if you will use radiant barrier or open-cell foam in your attic. Radiant barrier is less expensive but it is not as energy efficient, it does not seal the attic (very important) and it does nothing for health. You will still need to seal or replace your duct-work.Open-cell foam is more energy efficient but it is more expensive. If you use open-cell foam, follow the suggestions in the test results. If you use radiant barrier, seal or replace your duct work if it is in the attic. Then follow the suggestions in the test results.