How to Create an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to hit 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.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have your ducts checked for leaks. Then, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. 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 at home.
Inefficient Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just inefficient—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which need much less power and have a much longer lifespan. Additionally, remember to turn off the lights when you exit the room. And since every bit helps, 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 allow warm air to leak out in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, 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 try and minimize these air leaks. If 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.
Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep may make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and loading the dryer properly. 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 replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. 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 provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and never overlook water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have several different types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is almost always worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an integrated battery system stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to make it more affordable.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
