How to Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy consumption in most homes. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Next, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Installing one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not at home.
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 puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. Also, remember to shut off lights when you step out. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.
Old, Leaking Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. 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 seal drafts. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than energy-efficient alternatives. Insufficient upkeep will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, washing clothes in cold water and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to save on power without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have several different types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the expert advice and quality work.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems come with up-front costs, tax credits and utility rebates are available to help offset the investment.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
