How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills 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 how you can help fix them.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to reach the desired temperature.

The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Adding one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re away for the day.

Inefficient Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also forces your AC to work harder.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you step out. And for good measure, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For the most savings, think about adding smart controls to manage devices wherever you need to.

Leaky Doors and Windows

Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In each case, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.

The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.

Old Appliances

Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, 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, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to use less energy without losing out on total performance.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also lose heat through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If this isn’t an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance. 

Poor Insulation 

When the attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and foam insulation. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the expert advice and proper installation. 

Upgrade to Solar Energy

If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power 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, state and federal tax credits are offered to help reduce some of the expense. 

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 deliver fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems working efficiently. Thanks to 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.