How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak 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 not at home.
Dated Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you exit the room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.
Leaks in Your Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In each case, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs limit heat loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. 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®-rated models. They’re able to be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially 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 energy bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
Take Advantage of 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 these systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
Unlock Modern 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 efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems 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.