Your Reliable Source for Sustainable Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about cultivating your perfect idea of comfort, lowering your energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to reach 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 you can do to fix them.
1. Inadequate Insulation
If your attic, walls and flooring lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat contained for winter and out during the summer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run overtime.
- The fix: Add insulation to your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. You have many types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, blown cellulose and spray foam. Hiring a local professional is almost always worth it for the valuable insights and quality work.
2. Run-Down Appliances
Older refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Lack of maintenance over the years will sometimes make things even worse.
- The fix: Operate your appliances with efficiency in mind. This means waiting until the dishwasher is full to run it, using cold settings for laundry and avoiding overloading the dryer. 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 be energy efficient without sacrificing performance.
3. Incandescent Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just more expensive—it also puts more strain on your AC.
- The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last far longer. In addition, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you step out. While you’re at it, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. 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 ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, consider switching to solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an integrated battery system holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems come with up-front costs, state and federal tax breaks are offered to help offset the investment.
5. Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually too large for your typical use. Water heaters also suffer losses through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
- The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If this isn’t an option, wrap your water heater and pipes with insulation for better efficiency, set the temperature to 120° F and never neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Leaks in Your Doors and Windows
Damaged windows and doors allow warm air to leak out in the winter and let in heat during the warmer months. In both cases, your HVAC system is put under strain.
- The fix: If you can’t replace all the windows now, add weatherproofing materials around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re ready for an upgrade, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce energy loss by creating an insulating air barrier between the inside and outside of your home.
7. HVAC System Upgrade
Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy use in most homes. When your HVAC system is old, it may have to run longer and expend more energy to achieve the desired temperature. Oversized units are also a potential problem, as they may start short cycling, leading to uneven 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 achieve your set temperature.
- The fix: Invest in a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have the air ducts checked for leaks. Then, plan for preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition 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 away for the day.
