How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding a complete sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.

HVAC System Upgrade

Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and might struggle to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.

The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized ENERGY STAR®-certified HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not at home.

Old Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also forces your AC to work harder.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, think about adding smart controls to enable remote control.

Leaks in Your Doors and Windows

Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In each case, your HVAC system is put under strain.

The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs 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. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, washing clothes in cold water and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for your refrigerator and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to save on power without losing out on total performance.

Water Heaters

Your old water heater is a huge energy hog, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.

The fix: Consider switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and try not to ignore water heater maintenance. 

Lacking Enough 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 contained for winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass rolls, blown-in cellulose and foam insulation. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work. 

Take Advantage of Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider 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 require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates 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 offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.