How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your perfect idea of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of 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 use in most homes. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Next, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Installing one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re away for the day.
Dated Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are notorious 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 switch off lighting when you step out. While you’re at it, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
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 both cases, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs limit heat loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient 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, using cold settings for laundry 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®-rated models. They’re able to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t ignore water heater maintenance.
Lacking Enough Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Proper 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 several different types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and foam insulation. Consulting an experienced technician 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, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are available to help reduce some of the expense.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.