How You Can Create an 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 strategic changes around the house are all it takes to achieve 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.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts 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. Installing 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 away for the day.
Incandescent Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which need much less power and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And for good measure, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaks in Your Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In each case, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows reduce energy loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for the fridge and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and try not to neglect water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. The right amount of 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 your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have many types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and spray foam. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and proper installation.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems come with up-front costs, government incentives like tax credits are available to make it more affordable.
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 deliver efficient and lasting fixes that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. 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.
