Your Reliable Source for Eco-Friendly Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach your energy efficiency goals. Consider the most common areas of energy waste in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
1. Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and flooring aren’t properly insulated, you’re probably experiencing heat loss, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat contained for winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system won’t need to work as hard.
- The fix: Boost insulation levels to your attic, a prime spot for adding more. There are many types of insulation to choose from, like fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and spray foam. Working with a certified contractor is often worth it for the expert advice and proper installation.
2. Inefficient Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than modern appliances. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.
- The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means only operating the dishwasher when full, choosing cold water temperatures for clothes and avoiding overloading the dryer. 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 designed to use less energy without losing out on total performance.
3. Old Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are well-known 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: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. Also, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you exit the room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For greater savings, think about adding smart controls to manage devices wherever you need to.
4. Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an integrated battery system saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-powered systems cost more up front, state and federal tax breaks are available to make it more affordable.
5. Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s 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 pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
- The fix: Consider installing a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that’s not an option, insulate the water heater tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and do your best not to neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Leaks in Your Windows and Doors
Leaks in your windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and allow hot, humid air to seep into your home in the summer. In either of these situations, your HVAC system is forced to work overtime.
- The fix: If replacing all the windows isn’t affordable, apply caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for double- or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. 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 consumption in most homes. Once your HVAC system is outdated, it may have to stay on longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, leading to uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and extra strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
- The fix: Invest in a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the air ducts inspected for air loss. After, 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 waste energy on climate control when you’re away for the day.
