How to Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and helping the environment. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what you can do 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 When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they may start 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 make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.

The fix: Invest in a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork tested for efficiency. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best 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 heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.

Old Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also puts more strain on your AC.

The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you leave a room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to control your lights and gadgets remotely.

Leaks in Your Windows and Doors

Leaks in your windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is pushed harder.

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. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.

Inefficient Appliances

Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices may make things even worse.

The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and avoiding overloading the dryer. 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 compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially when it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.

The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t neglect water heater maintenance. 

Lacking Enough Insulation 

When the attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat contained for winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system won’t need to work as hard. 

The fix: Add insulation to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and quality work. 

Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider installing solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar systems cost more up front, state and federal tax credits are offered to make it more affordable. 

Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver quick, yet lasting results to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.