How You Can Achieve an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs 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 If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.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 are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork inspected for air loss. Next, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak 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 waste energy on climate control when you’re away for the day.
Dated Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which need much less power and last far longer. Also, don’t forget to shut off lights when you step out. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For greater 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 allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In both cases, 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 close some of the gaps. 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 adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means 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, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to save on power without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a huge energy hog, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never neglect water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are several different types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the added experience and proper installation.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider investing in solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems operating smoothly. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
