How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy costs in most homes. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Adding one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re away for the day.
Incandescent Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, don’t forget to shut off lights when you step out. And since every bit helps, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In each case, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices may make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s set too high or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and never neglect water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re most likely wasting energy, not to mention money. The right amount of insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar systems require an initial investment, state and federal tax credits are available to make it more affordable.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, yet lasting results to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
