How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and helping the environment. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy costs in most homes. When your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a potential problem, as they may start short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re not at home.
Old Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Upgrade to 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 for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Drafty 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 put under strain.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Lack of maintenance over the years will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. 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 high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. 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 never neglect water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Quality 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 the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are many 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 valuable insights and proper installation.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, state and federal tax credits are offered to help offset the investment.
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 offer quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
