How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and extra 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 air ducts inspected for air loss. After, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding 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.
Incandescent Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. In addition, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And for good measure, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.
Leaks in Your 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 you can’t replace all the windows now, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than newer models. Insufficient upkeep can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means running full loads in the dishwasher, using cold settings for laundry and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for the fridge and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. 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 old water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s set too high or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t ignore water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re most likely wasting energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so your HVAC system won’t need to overexert itself.
The fix: Add insulation to the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have many types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider investing in solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.
