How to Create an 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. Consider the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy costs in most homes. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and might struggle to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and extra strain on the system. Then, ductwork 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 tested for efficiency. Then, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re away for the day.
Incandescent Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Switch 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 for good measure, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaky Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat 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 weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, 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, 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 save on power without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where it’s set too high or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If this isn’t an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and try not to ignore water heater maintenance.
Lacking Enough Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have many types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment.
Upgrade Your Home’s 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 to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems operating smoothly. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
