Remodeling Tips | DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison, WI

Top Ways to Ensure an Energy-Efficient Home Addition

Home additions are typically built from scratch, making them an ideal opportunity to implement energy-efficient features. In this post, interior renovation specialist DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison shares some of the top ways you can ensure an energy-efficient addition to your home.

Heating & Cooling

If you have a central heating and cooling system, it might be best to carry your ductwork through into the addition. Make sure you ask your contractor to insulate the ducts so as to prevent air from escaping. Ensure proper installation and use a smart thermostat so that you can independently manage temperatures and humidity in each area of your home.

Doors & Windows

Doors and windows are key elements to home design, and they are critical for maintaining energy efficiency too. Check the energy efficiency ratings of the windows and doors that you’re going to use. These ratings will let you know how effective they are at preventing heat gain or loss.

Don’t forget to take a look at the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of the doors and windows as well. This will tell you the amount of solar radiation that the door or window can transmit or absorb. A high SHGC rating means that the product can collect solar heat efficiently and help reduce heating costs in our cool climate.

Insulation

Make sure to insulate the walls of your home addition. The design of your addition should feature a continuous layer of insulation for a highly efficient seal. Your contractor should check local building codes to ensure the correct amount of insulation is used.

Water Usage

If you’re installing new plumbing in your home addition, interior remodeling contractors suggest using high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in the bathroom, kitchen, bar and garage. For toilets, you might want to opt for models that have an insulated tank to get rid of condensation and that use less water per flush. A large accelerator flush valve can help prevent clogs too.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison is a local expert in interior home remodeling. We offer a full-service approach to meeting your home improvement needs. Call us at (608) 352-9944 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation!

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