How You Can Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, 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, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks 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, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak 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 heat or cool the house when you’re away for the day.
Old Lighting
Older 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 forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For the most savings, think about adding smart controls to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Leaks in your 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 you can’t replace all the windows now, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. Once you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. 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 newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to save on power without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated 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 that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t ignore water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Proper 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 your attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are several different types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and quality work.
Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are available to make it more affordable.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver efficient and lasting fixes that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
