How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy consumption in most homes. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. Next, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.
Old Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Additionally, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For the most savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In each case, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs reduce energy loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and avoiding overloading 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 replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s set too high or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If this isn’t an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never ignore water heater maintenance.
Lacking Enough Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely 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 several different types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the expert advice 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 investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an integrated battery system stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems come with up-front costs, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help offset the investment.
Unlock Modern 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 that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.