How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach 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 how you can help fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling account for 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 achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. 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 not even home.
Dated Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just more expensive—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which need much less power and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you leave a room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For even more savings, think about adding smart controls to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat 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 you can’t replace all the windows now, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. Once you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years 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, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for your refrigerator and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to save on power without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and never ignore water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and proper installation.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems require an initial investment, state and federal tax credits are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
