How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and helping the environment. 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 represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to stay on longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to meet comfort levels.

The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Adding one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re away for the day.

Incandescent Lighting

Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also puts more strain on your AC.

The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, remember to shut off lights when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, 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.

Leaks in Your 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 pushed harder.

The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. If you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.

Old Appliances

Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Lack of maintenance over the years may make things even worse.

The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, washing clothes in cold water and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for the fridge and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. 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 losing out on total performance.

Water Heaters

Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and do your best not to ignore water heater maintenance. 

Poor Insulation 

If your attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely wasting 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 run overtime. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are several different types of insulation to choose from, like classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is almost always worth it for the added experience and proper installation. 

Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy

If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help reduce some of the expense. 

Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians offer quick, yet lasting results to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.