How You Can Achieve an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating 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’s available to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a concern, 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 make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork tested for efficiency. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition 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 use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re away for the day.
Incandescent Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just inefficient—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 have a much longer lifespan. In addition, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In each case, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. Once you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows limit heat loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than newer models. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and loading the dryer properly. 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 get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to save on power without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a major power drain, particularly when it’s kept at excessive 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: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If this isn’t 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.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. The right amount of insulation keeps heat in during the winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are many types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Install Systems Compatible with 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 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 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 trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
