How You Can Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and helping the environment. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. Consider 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 make up over half of the energy consumption in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and extra strain 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-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Next, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t waste energy on climate control when you’re away for the day.

Inefficient Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.

The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and have a much longer lifespan. In addition, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For greater savings, think about adding smart controls to manage devices wherever you need to.

Leaks in Your Windows and Doors

Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape 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 caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. Once you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.

Run-Down Appliances

Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.

The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. As for the fridge and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re able to use less energy without sacrificing performance.

Water Heaters

Your old water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s running at high temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.

The fix: Consider investing in 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 don’t overlook water heater maintenance. 

Poor Insulation 

If your attic, walls and floors have too little insulation, you’re most likely 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 won’t need to overexert itself. 

The fix: Add insulation to the attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are several different types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation. 

Upgrade to Solar Energy

If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are available to help offset the investment. 

Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians provide efficient and lasting fixes to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can count on us to meet your service needs the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.