Ah… summer! The season of barbecues, crawfish boils, snoballs, and trying to squeeze in another fishing trip. Though there’s plenty of food and fun to enjoy in Acadiana, there’s one BIG downside: the HEAT. And with rising thermometers, tapping into energy tax credits becomes more enticing than ever.
And as thermometers rise, it seems impossible to keep those utility bills under control. Maybe that’s just the price we have to pay for living in such a great place.
Jim Olivier’s entire staff lives in the Lafayette area, so we get it. The struggle is real. Keeping your electric bill low, or even under control, feels hopeless.
But what if there was a solution? What if there were ways to control your electric bill, and get an energy tax credit, so you could enjoy our long summers even more?
Well, hold on to your sun hats, because Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement experts are about to reveal 9 Improvements to a cooler, less expensive Louisiana summer!
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
The keys to keeping your electric bill budget-friendly are energy-efficient home improvements. They all focus on the same thing: air and light coming in. The tighter you can seal up your home, the better the cool air stays in (and the heat stays out). Each of these improvements will lower your energy consumption and end up keeping more cash in your pocket. Less energy also means less greenhouse gas emissions, which the Earth appreciates.
So take a few minutes, go down the list, and make improvements. Your wallet, your family, and the Earth will thank you.
Minor improvements for minor results (but every little bit helps).
1. Seal your doors. Old wooden doors must constantly deal with Louisiana humidity and can only take so much. If you can see daylight between your door jam and door, that means lots of air is going in and out. Even if you can’t see light, run your hand over the seam and feel for airflow.
If the problem is minor, grab weatherstrip at your local hardware store and stop the gaps.
2. Check your windows. Do the same thing for all your windows. Any place you feel a little wind, seal it. Minor issues can be solved with weatherstrip or caulk (interior and exterior), maybe spray foam.
3. Better block the light. Those sun rays can bring a lot of heat. There are several shade solutions, depending on your preference and budget. Film adhesives or glazing kits can protect against glare and UV exposure.
4. Blinds or curtains can block the light. Some insulated drapes (curtains that touch the floor) have shown a reduction in heat gains by 33%!
5. If you prefer an exterior, and more stylish, solution, consider installing Jim Olivier awnings. Each of these solutions, or a combination, will improve your energy efficiency.
These next solutions are more significant, but they will also have the most significant results. At Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement, we’re passionate about helping Lafayette area homeowners slash their utility bills and love their homes. Our experts are ready to guide you through the process of selecting and installing energy-efficient upgrades tailored to your home’s unique needs.
And the best part? We’ll ensure you have all the necessary documentation to claim your energy tax credit with ease!
6. Proper Insulation. This is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Whether fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam, adding proper insulation to your home’s walls, attic, and floors will improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills.
Though installing or replacing wall insulation is a major project, few people consider refreshing their attic insulation. Call your favorite local company.
7. Proper ventilation. Adding ventilation through your attic can reduce energy bills and extend the life of your roof. Upgrading to a fully vented soffit system (like Certainteed Invisivent) will increase the intake flow of air and cool your attic, thereby reducing the load on you’re A/C unit. Increasing outflow through the roof system is another opportunity to reduce attic temperatures.
Give Roofing Louisiana a call for more information about proper ventilation.
8. Energy-efficient doors. New doors are not only great for insulation but will give your home a fresh new look. At Jim Olivier’s, we install high-quality Provia fiberglass and steel. Though you are probably more familiar with wood, our doors can better withstand Louisiana’s weather (and much more as you can read in our last blog post.
All new exterior doors are customized for a tight seal to minimize drafts.
9. Energy-efficient windows (10. Including skylights!). Though this can be a larger investment it usually offers the greatest benefits (and the most energy tax credit). There are many options: double-hung windows, storm windows, and more. Whether your seal is moldy, glass is foggy, you have condensation in your windows, or you just want to refresh your look and increase your energy efficiency, our experts are just a call away.
By the way… If your windows are more than 15 years old, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Remember, your initial consultation is free. Schedule your consultation and an expert will come at your convenience. After an inspection and listening to your needs, we will share your best options and give you a quote.
What About that Energy Tax Credit?
Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for—the energy tax credit. This government incentive rewards homeowners who invest in energy-efficient upgrades. Depending on the improvement, you could qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost. That’s more money in your pocket for snoballs or maybe even another beach trip!
Qualifying for the Energy Tax Credit
To qualify for the energy tax credit, you need to make energy-efficient improvements that meet specific criteria. Not all upgrades are eligible, so visit the EnergyStar website and speak with a tax professional for the most up-to-date information on qualifying improvements.
Or let us do the work for you! Call Jim Olivier for a free consultation.
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to energy efficiency. That’s why our specialists assess your home’s current energy performance and recommend improvements that cater specifically to your needs. We don’t do everything listed above, but we are experts when it comes to doors, windows, and skylights.
The perks of energy-efficient upgrades extend beyond immediate cost savings and energy tax credits. These improvements can also:
- Increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
- Enhance the overall comfort of your living space, creating a cozier environment year-round.
- Reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system, prolonging its lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs.
- Extend the life and efficiency of your roof system
Ready to lower your utility bills and fully enjoy this summer?
With energy-efficient (and stylish) upgrades and the energy tax credit, you can transform your home into a cool, cost-effective haven. Call Jim Olivier today for your free consultation and love your home again.
