How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and might struggle to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and extra strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks 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 your ducts checked for leaks. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. 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 not even home.
Inefficient Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Also, don’t forget to shut off lights when you step out. And since every bit helps, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For the most savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs 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 let in heat during the warmer months. In both cases, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If you can’t replace all the windows now, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce energy loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than energy-efficient alternatives. Insufficient upkeep will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. 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 your refrigerator 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 able to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and don’t ignore water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. The right amount of insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass rolls, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider investing in 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 require an initial investment, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment.
Upgrade Your Home’s 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 to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
