Pennsylvania homes lose more energy through their roofs, walls, and windows than anywhere else. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating accounts for nearly 60% of a home’s energy use in PA and much of that heat escapes through poorly insulated or aging structures.
In a state known for its four-season extremes, energy efficiency is less about gadgets and more about construction. Outdated roofing, drafty windows, and non-insulated siding allow heated and cooled air to leak out of the home year-round. That constant loss drives up utility costs and forces HVAC systems to work harder than necessary.
The most effective way to fix this isn’t with minor adjustments. It’s with structural improvements that control airflow, resist heat transfer, and protect the home against weather-related wear. Professionally installed upgrades like roofing, siding, and windows can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, depending on the age and condition of the home.
For exterior upgrades that offer lasting protection and energy performance, many Pennsylvania homeowners rely on PA’s #1 Roofing Company, American Remodeling. Their roofing systems are designed for long-term energy efficiency, backed by lifetime warranties, and installed by skilled local crews who understand the region’s climate.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top energy-efficient improvements Pennsylvania homeowners are investing in today.
Energy-Efficient Roofing
Your roof plays a critical role in managing heat flow, attic ventilation, and moisture control — all of which directly impact your home’s energy performance. In many Pennsylvania homes, especially those built before the 2000s, the roofing system is one of the most common sources of energy loss.
When a roof ages, its ability to reflect heat, shed moisture, and insulate the attic weakens. Shingles begin to absorb heat instead of deflecting it. Gaps in decking allow conditioned air to escape. Poor ventilation causes attic heat buildup, forcing air conditioning systems to work harder in the summer and creating ice dams in winter.
Modern roofing systems are built to solve these problems. High-reflectivity shingles reduce solar heat gain. Ventilation channels move air efficiently through the attic. And when installed with proper underlayment and insulation, the entire system creates a tighter seal between indoor and outdoor environments. These improvements help regulate temperature across all seasons, reducing strain on HVAC equipment and lowering monthly energy use.
Many Pennsylvania homeowners begin their efficiency upgrades at the roof level because it solves multiple issues at once: heat loss, moisture intrusion, structural aging, and curb appeal. It’s also a long-term investment. A professionally installed roof improves energy performance from day one and continues delivering savings for decades.
Insulated Siding
Siding plays a critical role in the energy efficiency of your home. In many parts of Pennsylvania, homes built before the 1990s often have little or no insulation in the wall cavities. That leads to significant heat loss in winter and trapped heat during the summer. Insulated siding helps address this by wrapping the home in a continuous thermal barrier.
Modern siding products, like insulated vinyl or fiber cement with rigid foam backing, reduce thermal bridging, a common problem in older frame-built homes where studs conduct heat through the wall. When installed properly, these materials help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature while easing the load on heating and cooling systems.
Beyond insulation, new siding systems also support airtight construction. Professional installation includes sealing gaps around windows, doors, and wall penetrations, stopping drafts and preventing moisture from entering the structure. That not only improves energy efficiency but also protects against mold and structural decay over time.
Upgrading your siding is more than a visual improvement. It’s a long-term performance upgrade that improves comfort, lowers energy bills, and adds measurable value to the home. Homeowners who pair insulated siding with a new roofing system often see the greatest improvement in thermal performance and indoor air control.
Modern windows
Windows and exterior doors are two of the most common sources of energy loss in Pennsylvania homes, especially those built before energy codes became standard. Over time, seals degrade, frames shift, and single-pane glass fails to provide any real insulation. This leads to air drafts, uneven temperatures, and unnecessary strain on HVAC systems.
Replacing outdated windows with Energy Star–certified, double- or triple-pane units significantly reduces heat transfer. These modern systems use low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, argon or krypton gas fills, and insulated frames to minimize the movement of heat through the glass. In winter, they keep warmth inside. In summer, they reflect radiant heat away from the home.
Exterior doors are just as important. Solid-core doors with proper weatherstripping and energy-efficient glazing stop air leaks at key entry points. Older wood or aluminum doors often warp or gap over time, allowing outside air to move freely into conditioned spaces. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly installed energy-efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by 12–33%, depending on the home’s age and layout.
What matters just as much as the product is the installation. A quality window or door can underperform if not sealed and flashed correctly. That’s why working with experienced contractors who specialize in whole-home energy efficiency is critical.
Conclusion
Paired with improvements to roofing and siding, high-performance windows and doors help complete the building envelope, locking in comfort, lowering energy use, and increasing the long-term value of the property.
Whether you’re living in a historic home with outdated insulation or planning an energy-conscious remodel, the smartest improvements are the ones that start at the structure and are built to last.
