How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.

A New HVAC System

Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.

The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the air ducts inspected for air loss. Next, plan 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 at home.

Old Lighting

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

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For the most savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to control your lights and gadgets remotely.

Old, Leaking Windows and Doors

Damaged windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is put under strain.

The fix: If you can’t replace all the windows now, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.

Old Appliances

Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than newer models. Insufficient upkeep will sometimes make things even worse.

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. 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 be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s old water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.

The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If this isn’t an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and do your best not to ignore water heater maintenance. 

Inadequate Insulation 

If your home’s attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, 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 overexert itself. 

The fix: Add insulation to the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have many types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the expert advice and proper installation. 

Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an attached battery backup stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems come with up-front costs, province and federal tax credits are offered to help offset the investment. 

Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts can help you achieve a more sustainable living space. Our certified technicians deliver fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. 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.