How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating a complete sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and extra 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: Upgrade to a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. After, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. 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.
Inefficient Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. In addition, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For the most savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to enable remote control.
Old, Leaking Windows and Doors
Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In both cases, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re ready for an 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.
Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a major power drain, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. The right amount of insulation keeps heat contained for winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power 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, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems operating smoothly. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
