Your Trusted Source for Energy-Efficient Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your perfect idea of comfort, lowering your energy costs and doing so as efficiently as you can. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and what’s available to fix them.
1. Poor Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of 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 overexert itself.
- 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 classic fiberglass, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work.
2. Inefficient Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines run less efficiently than energy-efficient alternatives. Poor maintenance practices can make things even worse.
- The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This includes only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and loading the dryer properly. In fact, you should try to air-dry clothing when feasible. 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 save on power without sacrificing performance.
3. Dated Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just inefficient—it also forces your AC to work harder.
- The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and have a much longer lifespan. In addition, remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when they’re not in use. For greater savings, think about adding smart controls to control your lights and gadgets remotely.
4. Upgrade to Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering switching to solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while a connected battery bank saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar systems come with up-front costs, government incentives like rebates are offered to make it more affordable.
5. Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old water heater is a big energy consumer, particularly when it’s set too high or is even oversized for your household’s needs. Water heaters also lose heat through poorly insulated 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’s not an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, lower the thermostat to 120 degrees F and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Leaks in Your Windows and Doors
Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and bring in hot air during summer. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
- The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, apply weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to seal drafts. Once 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. HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy costs in most homes. Once your HVAC system is old, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to keep the temperature where you want it. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in temperature fluctuations, poor control over humidity levels and added strain on the system. Then, ductwork leaks waste more energy, forcing your system to make up the losses to reach the desired temperature.
- The fix: Upgrade to a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the air ducts tested for efficiency. Then, plan for preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best 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 use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not at home.
