Your Top Source for Energy-Efficient Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your perfect idea of comfort, saving on utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common forms of residential energy waste in the average North American home and what you can do to fix them.
1. Inadequate Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re most likely wasting energy, not to mention money. The right amount of insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
- 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 cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
2. Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than newer models. Insufficient upkeep can make things even worse.
- The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to upgrade old equipment, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to use less energy without losing out on total performance.
3. Inefficient Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just wasteful—it also puts more strain on your AC.
- The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and last far longer. Additionally, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to manage devices wherever you need to.
4. Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems come with up-front costs, state and federal tax breaks are available to help reduce some of the expense.
5. Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
- The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and never neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Old, Leaking Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In each case, your HVAC system is put under strain.
- The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These windows limit heat loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
7. HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy costs in most homes. If your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a common issue, as they may start short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to achieve your set temperature.
- The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the air ducts tested for efficiency. Then, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.
