How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy use in most homes. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Adding one allows you to set 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
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, remember to shut off lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For even more savings, think about adding smart controls to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Drafty windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep can make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means running full loads in the dishwasher, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for your refrigerator and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to save on power without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially when it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat in during the winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Working with a certified contractor is almost always 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, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an attached battery backup stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are offered to make it more affordable.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
