How You Can Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
Upgrading Your 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 might struggle to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, leading to uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. Then, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one allows you to set 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
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, remember to turn off the lights when you step out. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, think about adding smart controls to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In each case, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. Once you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices may make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also lose heat through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and don’t overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While these systems come with up-front costs, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet lasting results to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems operating smoothly. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
