How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your perfect idea 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 reach your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy consumption in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , 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: Install a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have the air ducts inspected for air loss. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. 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.

Inefficient Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just inefficient—it also forces your AC to work harder.

The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. In addition, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you exit the room. And for good measure, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For even more savings, think about adding smart controls to enable remote control.

Leaky Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors allow warm air to leak out 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 new windows aren’t in the budget, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. If you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce energy loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.

Old Appliances

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

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means running full loads in the dishwasher, washing clothes in cold water and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. 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 designed to use less energy without compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Consider investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and do your best not to overlook water heater maintenance. 

Too Little Insulation 

If your home’s attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat contained for winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is often 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 switching to 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 these systems come with up-front costs, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment. 

Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our certified technicians provide quick, yet lasting results 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 schedule a consultation, please contact us today.