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 doing so as efficiently as you can. A few smart changes 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.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy costs in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and might struggle to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a potential problem, as they may start short cycling, resulting in uneven 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: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing 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 away for the day.
Dated Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, remember to turn off the lights when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For the most savings, think about adding smart controls to enable remote control.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If you can’t replace all the windows now, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs limit heat loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. 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 try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. 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 sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s set too high or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never overlook water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have many types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use 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 guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver fast, long-lasting solutions to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. 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.
