How You Can Create an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork tested for efficiency. After, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best 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 not even home.
Dated Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known 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: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Additionally, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaks in Your Windows and Doors
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 put under strain.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep 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, 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, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to use less energy without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially when it’s set too high or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility 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, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat contained for winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and spray foam. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an attached battery backup stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems require an initial investment, government incentives like tax credits are available to help reduce some of the expense.
Maximize 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 fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems running at their peak. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
