How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the air ducts tested for efficiency. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Installing one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not even home.
Dated Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and have a much longer lifespan. Additionally, remember to switch off lighting when you step out. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to enable remote control.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In both cases, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. If you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for the fridge and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to save on power without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also lose heat through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and try not to overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system won’t need to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While these systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are available to help reduce some of the expense.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
