Your Reliable Source for Eco-Friendly Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating a complete sense 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 reach your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
1. Inadequate Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and out during the summer, so your HVAC system won’t need to work as hard.
- The fix: Consider more insulation in your attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are several different types of insulation to work with, like classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work.
2. Run-Down Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices 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 avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. As for the fridge 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 save on power without sacrificing performance.
3. Incandescent Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
- The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which need much less power and have a much longer lifespan. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you exit the room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For the most savings, explore smart lighting options to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
4. Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider installing solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while a connected battery bank stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, tax credits and utility rebates are offered to help offset the investment.
5. Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a huge energy hog, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
- The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If this isn’t an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Old, Leaking 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 both cases, your HVAC system is pushed harder.
- The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
7. A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy use in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, air duct leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to reach the desired temperature.
- The fix: Install a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. After, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Installing one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not at home.
