How You Can Maintain an Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and helping the environment. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to achieve your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is past its prime, 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, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.

The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best 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 waste energy on climate control when you’re not at home.

Inefficient Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, 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 last far longer. Additionally, remember to switch off lighting when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.

Old, Leaking Windows and Doors

Leaks in your windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In each case, your HVAC system is put under strain.

The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.

Inefficient Appliances

Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.

The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, washing clothes in cold water 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 plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.

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, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and try not to ignore water heater maintenance. 

Poor Insulation 

If your home’s attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably wasting energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat contained for winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass rolls, blown cellulose and spray foam. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the added experience and proper installation. 

Upgrade to Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are available to help reduce some of the expense. 

Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you achieve a more sustainable living space. Our ACE-certified technicians offer fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems working efficiently. Thanks to 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.