How to Create an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your perfect idea 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. Think about the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to 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 achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re not at home.
Dated Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, remember to switch off lighting when you leave a room. While you’re at it, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In either of these situations, 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 seal drafts. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep may make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading 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 upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to use less energy without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider 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 try not to ignore water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely 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 won’t need to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass rolls, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems require an initial investment, government incentives like tax credits are offered to make it more affordable.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. 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.