How to Maintain Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and helping the environment. A few strategic changes around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. Think about the most common sources of energy loss 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 consumption in most homes. When your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to run longer and might struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they may start short cycling, resulting in 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 reach the desired temperature.

The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork checked for leaks. After, plan preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. 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 at home.

Incandescent Lighting

Old incandescent bulbs are notorious 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 need much less power and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, remember to shut off lights when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For greater savings, think about adding smart controls to control your lights and gadgets remotely.

Old, Leaking Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In each case, your HVAC system is pushed harder.

The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply 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 designs limit heat loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.

Run-Down Appliances

Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than newer models. Poor maintenance practices 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 avoiding overloading the dryer. In fact, you should consider line or air-drying when you can. 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 high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re designed to be energy efficient without compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s running at high temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.

The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and never neglect water heater maintenance. 

Inadequate Insulation 

If your home’s attic, walls and flooring 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 won’t need to run overtime. 

The fix: Add insulation to the attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to choose from, including classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and spray foam. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and proper installation. 

Take Advantage of Solar Energy

If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an integrated battery system stores excess energy for use at night and on stormy days. While solar systems cost more up front, government incentives like tax credits are offered to make it more affordable. 

Unlock Modern Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

A1 Chesney Service Experts can help you achieve a greener household. Our certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems working efficiently. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.