How You Can Maintain an 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 simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach 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’s available 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 past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor humidity control , 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: Upgrade to a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition 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 away for the day.
Incandescent Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and have a much longer lifespan. Also, remember to switch off lighting when you exit the room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For greater savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Old, Leaking 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 either of these situations, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than newer models. Lack of maintenance over the years will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes 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, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to use less energy without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a huge energy hog, 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 utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat in during the winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are several different types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are available to make it more affordable.
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 deliver quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
