How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your perfect idea of comfort, lowering your energy costs and helping the environment. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once 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 may start short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
The fix: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Installing one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re away for the day.
Dated Lighting
Old 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: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. In addition, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.
Old, Leaking Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for the fridge 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 designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also experience heat loss through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never neglect water heater maintenance.
Lacking Enough Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, 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 your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have many types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and spray foam. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems cost more up front, province and federal tax credits are offered to help offset the investment.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With 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.