How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.

The fix: Invest in a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have your ducts checked for leaks. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Adding one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re not at home.

Old Lighting

Older incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also puts more strain on your AC.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, don’t forget to shut off lights when you exit the room. And for good measure, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.

Leaky Doors and Windows

Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is pushed harder.

The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs limit heat loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.

Inefficient Appliances

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

The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means running full loads in the dishwasher, using cold settings for laundry and avoiding overloading the dryer. 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 ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to save on power without sacrificing performance.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s old water heater is a huge energy hog, especially when it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.

The fix: Consider investing in a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and never neglect water heater maintenance. 

Too Little Insulation 

If your home’s attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself. 

The fix: Add insulation to the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are several different types of insulation to choose from, including classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation. 

Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy

If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an integrated battery system saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While these systems come with up-front costs, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to make it more affordable. 

Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With 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.