Exterior Eco-Tips
Select the 
Windows
- Ask a Home Performance Contractor about repairing or replacing your old windows—this is seldom cost-effective in terms of energy savings.
- If you have single-paned windows, add storm windows or replace with double-paned.
- If your home is on a historic register or has landmark status do your research before buying new windows.
- If purchasing new windows, look for products with a “U-value” of 0.30 or less.
- Install shading over windows on the exterior of the house to limit solar heat gain.
Entry
- Place a washable doormat and a shoe rack in your entryway.
- Remove shoes at the entry door and wear slippers or "indoor shoes" in the home.
- Consider how a mud room could be integrated to further reduce tracked-in contaminants.
Exterior Siding
- Install rigid insulation on the exterior and/or a rain screen before installing new siding.
- Where possible, reuse siding.
- Look for 50-year siding for increased durability.
- For new wood siding, prioritize salvaged wood that is properly treated with non-toxic finishes or third party certified sustainably harvested wood siding.
- Non-wood siding alternatives include fiber cement board siding, aluminum and stucco.
- Seek alternatives to vinyl siding.
Exterior Walls and Insulation
- Frame corners with two studs, instead of three, to allow more space for insulation.
- Use advanced wall framing techniques, including 24-inch on-center framing.
- Air seal building cavities before installing any insulation; it is required to achieve the full insulation value.
- Consider blown-in insulation as it typically provides better performance than batts.
- Look for fiberglass and formaldehyde-free options when buying insulation.
- Ensure your contractor can deliver “ENERGY STAR Grade 1” insulation to maximize performance.
