How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding a complete sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and helping the environment. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. If your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. After, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Installing one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re not at home.
Incandescent Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just inefficient—it also forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Upgrade to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Also, don’t forget to shut off lights when you exit the room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to enable remote control.
Leaky 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 new windows aren’t in the budget, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than energy-efficient alternatives. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.
The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking 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 ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to be energy efficient without compromising quality.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and try not to ignore water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
If your attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper 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 classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems come with up-front costs, state and federal tax credits are available to make it more affordable.
Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assist you in creating a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians provide quick, yet lasting results that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems 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.
