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 doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent 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 maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re away for the day.
Inefficient Lighting
Traditional 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: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. In addition, remember to switch off lighting when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For the most savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In either of these situations, 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 seal drafts. If you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs limit heat loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes 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, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to save on power without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where it’s running at high temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and never neglect water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to your 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-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider installing solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems come with up-front costs, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to make it more affordable.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, yet lasting results to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. 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.
