How to Achieve Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and might struggle to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have your ducts checked for leaks. After, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re not at home.
Inefficient Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, remember to switch off lighting when you leave a room. And for good measure, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Old, Leaking Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If you can’t replace all the windows now, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated 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 run less efficiently than energy-efficient alternatives. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading 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 upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to use less energy without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s running at high temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also experience heat loss through poorly insulated pipes, 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 isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and don’t overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are several different types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. 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 ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, 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 solar-powered systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are offered to make it more affordable.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
