How You Can Achieve an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your perfect idea of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. 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 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 costs in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and extra strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. After, set up 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 allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re not even home.
Old Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just more expensive—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, remember to turn off the lights when you exit the room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.
Old, Leaking Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In each case, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These windows reduce energy loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than newer models. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to save on power without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If this isn’t an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and foam insulation. 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, consider investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems come with up-front costs, government incentives like tax credits are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
