How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your perfect idea of comfort, saving on utility bills and helping the environment. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to hit 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’s available to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy use in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Next, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. 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 not at home.
Old 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 more expensive—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. Also, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For greater savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to enable remote control.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once you’re thinking about a window 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.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing 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, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and do your best not to overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper 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 the attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass rolls, blown-in cellulose and foam insulation. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an attached battery backup stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems come with up-front costs, state and federal tax credits are offered to help offset the investment.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver efficient and lasting fixes that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. 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.
