How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. 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.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, 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 may start short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and extra strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best 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 use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not at home.
Dated Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just inefficient—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For greater savings, think about adding smart controls to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. Once you’re prepared to invest in new windows, 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. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, 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 ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s set too high or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also lose heat through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If this isn’t an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and never overlook water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably 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 overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are several different types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
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 a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help offset the investment.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
