How to Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your perfect idea of comfort, saving on utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork tested for efficiency. Then, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. 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.
Inefficient Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just inefficient—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and have a much longer lifespan. Additionally, remember to shut off lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaky Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In both cases, your HVAC system is put under strain.
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 ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows limit heat loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means running full loads in the dishwasher, washing clothes in cold water and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. 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 able to be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If this isn’t an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so your HVAC system won’t need to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are several different types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and spray foam. Hiring a local professional 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, consider switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an integrated battery system saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are available to help reduce some of the expense.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians provide quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems working efficiently. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
