How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes 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. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a potential problem, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels and extra strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.

The fix: Invest in a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak 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 use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not even home.

Incandescent Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. In addition, don’t forget to shut off lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For greater savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.

Leaks in Your Doors and Windows

Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. 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 close some of the gaps. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These windows reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.

Inefficient Appliances

Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than modern appliances. Poor maintenance practices will sometimes make things even worse.

The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, 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, clean the coils regularly to remove debris like dust and hair. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re able to be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.

Water Heaters

Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, especially in homes where it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and try not to ignore water heater maintenance. 

Too Little Insulation 

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

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are several different types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Working with a certified contractor is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and quality work. 

Take Advantage of Solar Energy

If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an integrated battery system stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems come with up-front costs, province and federal tax credits are offered to make it more affordable. 

Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can guide you to a greener household. Our ACE-certified technicians provide quick, yet lasting results 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 book an appointment, please contact us today.