How You Can Achieve an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding a complete sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. 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 how you can help fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Upgrade to 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 in better working condition 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.
Incandescent Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which need much less power and have a much longer lifespan. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you step out. And since every bit helps, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For even more savings, think about adding smart controls to enable remote control.
Leaky Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In each case, your HVAC system is put under strain.
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 thinking about a window upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep may make things even worse.
The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, washing clothes in cold water and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and never neglect water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, 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 choose from, including classic fiberglass, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is almost always worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an integrated battery system stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems come with up-front costs, state and federal tax credits are available to help reduce some of the expense.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.