How to Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal sense 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. Think about 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 represent over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and might struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.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 extra strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency 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. 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 use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not at home.
Inefficient Lighting
Traditional 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: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which need much less power and last far longer. Additionally, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Old, Leaking Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, 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 energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Older 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 only operating the dishwasher when full, washing clothes in cold water and not overpacking 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 high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to use less energy without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and never neglect water heater maintenance.
Lacking Enough Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat in during the 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 work with, like fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help offset the investment.
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 fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. 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.
