How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal 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 reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
Upgrading Your 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 expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork inspected for air loss. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Adding one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house 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 more expensive—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. If you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by adding an air-filled layer 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 can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to replace your 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 old water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s set too high or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider investing in a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and try not to neglect water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so your HVAC system won’t need to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is often 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, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an integrated battery system stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems require an initial investment, state and federal tax credits are available to make it more affordable.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
