Your Top Source for Eco-Friendly Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about finding your ideal sense of comfort, saving on utility bills and helping the environment. A few smart changes around the house are all it takes to hit your energy efficiency goals. We’ll be talking about some of the most common sources of energy loss in the average North American home and how you can help fix them.
1. Too Little Insulation
When the attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Quality 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: Consider more insulation in your attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are several different types of insulation to work with, like fiberglass batts, blown cellulose and foam insulation. Hiring a local professional is often worth it for the valuable insights and proper installation.
2. Old Appliances
Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are less efficient than newer models. Insufficient upkeep will sometimes 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 not overpacking 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 ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to save on power without compromising quality.
3. Inefficient Lighting
Older incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, which isn’t just wasteful—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.
- The fix: Stick to using LED bulbs, which need much less power and last far longer. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you exit the room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when you’re not using them. For the most savings, consider installing smart bulbs and plugs to manage devices wherever you need to.
4. Install Systems Compatible with Solar Energy
If you’re interested in going even greener, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems cost more up front, state and federal tax breaks are available to help offset the investment.
5. Water Heaters
Your plumbing’s old 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 poorly insulated pipes, adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill.
- The fix: Learn about the benefits of installing a tankless water heater, which only heats water when you need it. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees and don’t neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Old, Leaking Doors and Windows
Leaks in your windows and doors lose lots of indoor heat 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 new windows aren’t in the budget, apply caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows to try and minimize these air leaks. If you’re thinking about a window upgrade, go for multi-pane, low-emissivity (low-E)-coated windows. These designs reduce energy loss by forming a buffer zone between the inside and outside of your home.
7. Upgrading Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling account for over half of the energy use in most homes. If your HVAC system is past its prime, it may have to run longer and work harder to achieve the desired temperature. Systems larger than you need are also a concern, as they may start short cycling, leading to uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and extra 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: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the system’s ductwork inspected for air loss. Next, plan for preventive maintenance to keep the system running at its peak for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Adding one lets you adjust temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t use any excess energy to maintain temperatures when you’re not at home.
