How You Can Achieve Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal 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 areas of energy waste 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. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a potential problem, as they may start short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.

The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. 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 away for the day.

Incandescent Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also forces your AC to work harder.

The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. Additionally, remember to shut off lights when you exit the room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.

Leaky Windows and Doors

Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.

The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce energy loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.

Run-Down Appliances

Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than modern appliances. Lack of maintenance over the years will sometimes make things even worse.

The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to use less energy without losing out on total 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 lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Consider switching to 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 don’t neglect water heater maintenance. 

Lacking Enough Insulation 

If your attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. The right amount of insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the 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 several different types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass rolls, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and proper installation. 

Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an attached battery backup holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are available to make it more affordable. 

Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. 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.