We all want to have a home that is energy-efficient. But, we sometimes overlook how much our basement can actually affect our house’s overall power usage. Are you hoping to make your basement finishing in Utah more energy-efficient? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Insulate the walls
You might think of using wood or metal to insulate the basement, but experts recommend using high-density, thick foam as insulation instead. Take note that moisture in basements contributes to poor energy usage. Moisture also leads to mold, mildew, and rot. By installing insulation with high-quality materials, you can immediately eliminate this problem.
Build windows with high-quality materials
Holes or gaps allow air from outside to enter your basement. They also let heat escape from your house. This makes your air-conditioner or heater work double time. So, be sure to seal these holes to save energy.
Many homeowners, unfortunately, consider the basement as an afterthought. So, this space gets windows made from low-quality materials. But you have to remember that windows are like holes or gaps. They let drafts into the house and allow heat to escape from it. Treat basement windows like the windows in the other parts of your house. Invest in ones that have double-pane glass and 100% vinyl frame for maximum efficiency.
Install warm flooring
You lose about 1% of your house’s energy through the basement’s floor. This may seem like a small amount, but would you really like to walk on a cold basement floor? If you know that you will be using your basement frequently, install warm flooring.
The best method is to put a sub-floor that is insulated. The thermal break that the insulation provides allows the floor to keep a comfortable temperature even during winter. Doing this even prevents mildew and mold from propagating in the basement. So, you will not only heat your floor but also keep the entire space safe from infestation.
Install energy-efficient lighting
The basement will not have enough natural light even if you install high-quality windows. So, you will rely on a lot of artificial lighting most of the time. To keep the energy use low, install energy-efficient lighting. There are many options in the market today, but many people prefer compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) among energy-efficient bulbs.
Upgrade your appliances
Consider upgrading other home appliances installed in your basement, too. Washing machines, refrigerators, dryers, and dehumidifiers are some appliances that use a lot of energy.
You might think that spending money on new appliances is unreasonable. But, think about it. Would you like to keep appliances that keep using a lot of energy every month? Or, would you like to pay for new appliances and see your monthly bills going lower and lower?
As you finish your project, remember that if you switch to energy-efficient tools and solutions, not only will you get a chance to save more money in the long run, but you will also be able to do your part in preserving the environment.
