Your Trusted Source for Energy-Efficient Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding a complete sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to hit 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 what’s available to fix them.
1. Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors aren’t properly insulated, you’re most likely experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to overexert itself.
- The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, loose-fill cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
2. Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines consume higher power levels than energy-efficient alternatives. Insufficient upkeep can make things even worse.
- The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. 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 use less energy without compromising quality.
3. Old Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they convert most of their energy into heat rather than light, 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. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you step out. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For greater savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs 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, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Photovoltaic panels cover daytime needs while an attached battery backup holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While these systems require an initial investment, government incentives like rebates are offered to make it more affordable.
5. Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s set too high 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: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Old, Leaking Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors let heat escape in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In both cases, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
- The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These windows reduce energy loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
7. Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, leading to unstable temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts 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 air ducts inspected for air loss. After, schedule preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not even home.
