Home efficiency is a common topic these days, and it’s easy to understand why. Efficient homes enjoy more comfort in every season and lower energy bills – not to mention the benefit to our environment. While there several ways to achieve these goals, the materials used to build your home play an important role as well. Learn more about efficient home materials, and call Custom Aire at 215-638-1800 for help in making your home as efficient as possible.
Wood
A large portion of your home is likely made from wood. This common building material does not conduct heat well, making it an excellent insulator. Choosing wood for other parts of the home beyond its frame can help maximize on this benefit. Doors, window frames, and even roof shingles can be made from wood to help control the home’s interior temperature. However, when exposed to moisture, wood can warp or crack, creating openings for outside air to flow into the home. Make sure to keep all the wood in your home in good condition and make repairs as needed to enjoy its insulating properties and avoid lost efficiency due to damage.
Vinyl
Vinyl has become increasingly popular as a home material due to its versatility and cost effectiveness. In addition to these benefits, vinyl is also energy efficient and is often paired with additional insulation in siding, doors, and window frames to keep out cold winter winds and hot summer temperatures. Additionally, vinyl is also frequently available with UV protection, which helps deflect the sun’s rays and reduce their impact on your home’s internal temperature. It’s also a low-maintenance material, requiring minimal cleaning and repairs over time.
Metal
Another common building material found in homes is metal, usually steel or aluminum used in siding, doors, and window frames. It is strong and lightweight, making it an obvious choice for construction, but it does have some drawbacks. Metal conducts heat very quickly, making it a poor insulator. If you have a metal door, you can usually place your hand on the interior side and feel the outside temperature. This means that the weather is having a larger impact on the temperature inside your home and can cause your heating and cooling systems to run longer and more often.
Fiberglass
You’re probably familiar with fiberglass insulation, which is a common material used to keep your home energy efficient already. But fiberglass can also be used for window frames and doors, allowing you to take advantage of its efficiency even more. Fiberglass is strong and stable, so it won’t contract or expand like metal or warp like wood. Like vinyl, fiberglass frames have air cavities that can be filled with insulation, so you can be sure that your house stays at the perfect temperature.
Efficiency is Key
Efficient home materials offer big benefits in the long term, as they enable you to limit the use of your HVAC system, saving on costs and wear on the equipment. If you’ve been working your air conditioning or heating overtime and have concerns about performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Contact Custom Aire to learn more about making your home more efficient so that you can enjoy greater comfort and lower bills.