How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your perfect idea of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.

HVAC System Upgrade

Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor humidity control , and excess wear and tear on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to achieve your set temperature.

The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the air ducts tested for efficiency. Next, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not at home.

Incandescent Lighting

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

The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which need much less power and far outlast incandescent bulbs. In addition, remember to turn off the lights when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances 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 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 replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce energy loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.

Run-Down Appliances

Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for the fridge and freezer, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to save on power without compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your old water heater is a big energy consumer, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also experience heat loss through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.

The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance. 

Inadequate Insulation 

If your attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Effective insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. There are several different types of insulation to work with, like classic fiberglass, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work. 

Upgrade to Solar Energy

If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While these systems come with up-front costs, tax credits and utility rebates are available to make it more affordable. 

Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a more energy-efficient home. Our ACE-certified technicians provide quick, yet lasting results to keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust that we’ll get it right the first time. To book an appointment, please contact us today.