How You Can Achieve an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in unstable 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 meet comfort levels.
The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork tested for efficiency. After, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. 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 not even home.
Dated Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Also, remember to shut off lights when you exit the room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
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 each case, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than energy-efficient alternatives. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. 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 high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to save on power without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s set too high or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and try not to neglect water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Proper 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, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are several different types of insulation to choose from, including classic fiberglass, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider installing solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an integrated battery system saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, state and federal 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 energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
