Your Reliable Source for Energy-Efficient Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating a complete 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.
1. Poor Insulation
When the attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
- The fix: Consider more insulation in your attic, a prime spot for adding more. You have several different types of insulation to work with, including fiberglass rolls, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and quality work.
2. Old Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep can make things even worse.
- The fix: Be mindful of energy usage with appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, washing clothes in cold water and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for the fridge and freezer, remove debris from the coils for optimal performance. And when it’s time to get new appliances, look for high-efficiency models with ENERGY STAR® labels. They’re able to save on power without losing out on total performance.
3. Inefficient Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are notorious 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 far outlast incandescent bulbs. Additionally, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For even more savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to enable remote control.
4. Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, consider investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an integrated battery system saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While these systems cost more up front, government incentives like rebates are available to help reduce some of the expense.
5. Water Heaters
Your old water heater is a major power drain, especially in homes where it’s set too high or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also suffer losses through uninsulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.
- The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and never neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Leaks in Your Windows and Doors
Drafty 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 forced to work overtime.
- The fix: If you can’t replace all the windows now, add caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce unwanted heat transfer by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
7. Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. When your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to stay on longer and might struggle to keep the temperature where you want it. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they may start short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, 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. Next, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. A programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Adding 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.
