How You Can Achieve Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and helping the environment. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.

A New HVAC System

Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy use in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and might struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to reach the desired temperature.

The fix: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the air ducts inspected for air loss. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Installing one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.

Old Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also puts more strain on your AC.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which need much less power and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.

Leaky Doors and Windows

Drafty 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 replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs limit heat loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.

Inefficient Appliances

Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep may make things even worse.

The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This includes 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 the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to be energy efficient without compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where 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 utility bill.

The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If this isn’t an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never overlook water heater maintenance

Inadequate Insulation 

If your home’s attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard. 

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 fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation. 

Upgrade to Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider 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 make it more affordable. 

Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.

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