How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and doing so as efficiently as you can. 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 you can do to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. After, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak 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 waste energy on climate control when you’re not even home.
Inefficient Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and have a much longer lifespan. Also, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. 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.
Old, Leaking Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In each case, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for your refrigerator and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where it’s set too high or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and don’t overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re most likely wasting energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, so your HVAC system won’t need to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While these systems come with up-front costs, government incentives like tax credits are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems operating smoothly. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
