How You Can Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and might struggle to keep the temperature where you want it.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 are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, 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 meet comfort levels.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition 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 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 wasteful—it also puts more strain on your AC.
The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, don’t forget to shut off 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 Windows and Doors
Leaks in your windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In each case, 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 try and minimize these air leaks. Once you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep can 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 loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to save on power without sacrificing performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down 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 suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and don’t ignore water heater maintenance.
Poor Insulation
If your attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Effective 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 the attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and foam insulation. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems require an initial investment, state and federal tax credits are available to help offset the investment.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems running at their peak. Thanks to 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.
