4 Energy Saving Projects for Waterfront Properties

If you have waterfront property, you may experience more intense weather than those who are surrounded by land. Winters can seem colder, and if there aren’t many trees in the area, the incoming sunlight can drastically increase the temperature in your home during the summer months. At Parker Design | Build | Remodel, we can help make your waterfront home more energy-efficient with the following tips:

Perhaps the best part of owning a waterfront home is the view. With the right windows and window coverings, you and your guests can enjoy a variety of panoramic views. It’s a good idea to understand the energy performance ratings of windows so you’ll know what energy performance ratings you need for your windows based on your climate and the home’s design. Wooden shutters and sheer or light-colored drapes can be closed and opened easily to facilitate privacy and regulate the temperature, as needed. Windows made with the right materials and seamlessly installed can make a statement as well as save you on energy bills.

If your waterfront home doesn’t have much space for windows, a skylight is a good alternative. They let in plenty of sunlight but don’t to take up as much space. Skylights are also easier to install. Again, natural energy and heat are big draws, as is the skylight’s creative potential. It draws the eye upward and gives your guests a unique focal point. Additionally, you can place hanging plants near skylights to help them absorb sunlight and grow stronger.

Just like windows, heat and cool air can pass between the gaps in doorways. If your door is old or you can feel a draft when you go near it, it may be time to consider installing a new one. Doors come in wood, steel, and Fiberglass in nearly any shade; a new door can add appeal to your home in way you might not have imagined, in addition to being energy-efficient. Just make sure it is installed properly to prevent air leakage.

Retractable awnings are a great way to reduce solar heat gain in the summer and let the sun warm the house in the winter! Depending upon the fabric selected, many awnings can also add design elements to the exterior of your home. Synthetic fabrics make them maintenance friendly, water repellant, and mildew resistant.

If you want to improve home efficiency and are considering renovations to your waterfront property to increase your energy savings, contact Parker Design | Build | Remodel for a consultation.