How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to hit 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 represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and might struggle to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts checked for leaks. After, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Adding one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.
Dated Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, 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. In addition, don’t forget to shut off 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 enable remote control.
Leaky Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In either of these situations, 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 close some of the gaps. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than energy-efficient alternatives. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. 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 able to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a major power drain, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If this isn’t an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and never overlook water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
If your attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
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 insulation. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an attached battery backup stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems come with up-front costs, state and federal tax credits are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
