How to Achieve Your Energy-Efficient Home
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating a complete sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy consumption in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and extra strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to meet comfort levels.
The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork tested for efficiency. Then, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Adding one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.
Incandescent Lighting
Traditional 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 forces your AC to work harder.
The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Additionally, remember to shut off lights when you step out. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
Old, Leaking Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is put under strain.
The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows limit heat loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
Old Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep will sometimes make things even worse.
The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, using cold settings for laundry and loading the dryer properly. 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 get new appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to use less energy without losing out on total performance.
Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a major power drain, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If this isn’t an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and try not to overlook water heater maintenance.
Inadequate Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Effective 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. You have several different types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering investing in 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-compatible systems come with up-front costs, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to make it more affordable.
Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Fras-Air/General Service Experts can assist you in creating a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities operating smoothly. With 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.
