How You Can Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating a complete sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to reach 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 what you can do to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and might struggle to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, 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 meet comfort levels.
The fix: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Installing one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not even home.
Dated Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just more expensive—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Leaky 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 both cases, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These windows limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than modern appliances. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. 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 ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to be energy efficient without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a major power drain, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If this isn’t an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and try not to overlook water heater maintenance.
Too Little Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, so your HVAC system won’t need to run overtime.
The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have several different types of insulation to choose from, like classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work.
Upgrade to 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 integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems require an initial investment, state and federal tax credits are offered to make it more affordable.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.
