How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, lowering your energy costs and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy costs in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and might struggle to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, leading to temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels and extra strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.

The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have your ducts tested for efficiency. Then, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. 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 not even home.

Dated Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also forces your AC to work harder.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you exit the room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For even more savings, explore smart lighting options to enable remote control.

Leaky Doors and Windows

Leaks in your windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In both cases, your HVAC system is pushed harder.

The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, add caulk and weathers tripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. Once you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows 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 use more energy than newer models. Poor maintenance practices may make things even worse.

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, using cold settings for laundry and loading the dryer properly. 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 replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to save on power without compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and try not to overlook water heater maintenance. 

Inadequate Insulation 

If your attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat in during the winter and out during the summer, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass rolls, blown-in cellulose and foam insulation. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and proper installation. 

Take Advantage of Solar Energy

If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an attached battery backup stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems require an initial investment, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help offset the investment. 

Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Rob's Albertan Service Experts can guide you to a more sustainable living space. Our certified technicians deliver efficient and lasting fixes that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.