How You Can Create Your Energy-Efficient Home

Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your perfect idea of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and reducing your carbon footprint. A few simple adjustments around the house are all it takes to hit 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 how you can help fix them.

A New HVAC System

Heating and cooling make up over half of the energy consumption in most homes. If 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, leading to uneven temperatures, poor control over humidity levels and extra strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to meet comfort levels.

The fix: Invest in a properly sized energy-efficient HVAC system and have your ducts inspected for air loss. After, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system performing at its best for years to come. Consider adding a programmable thermostat. Installing one helps you control temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not at home.

Old Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious energy wasters. In fact, they lose a lot of their energy to heat, which isn’t just inefficient—it also makes your air conditioner work harder in the summer.

The fix: Switch to LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient and far outlast incandescent bulbs. Also, don’t forget to switch off lighting when you exit the room. And since every bit helps, disconnect other appliances when you’re not using them. For the most savings, think about adding smart controls to control your lights and gadgets remotely.

Old, Leaking Doors and Windows

Drafty 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 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 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.

Inefficient Appliances

Worn-down refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than energy-efficient alternatives. Lack of maintenance over the years can make things even worse.

The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This means running full loads in the dishwasher, using cold settings for laundry and not overpacking the dryer. In fact, you should air-dry clothes whenever possible. As for your refrigerator and freezer, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models. They’re designed to use less energy without compromising quality.

Water Heaters

Your old water heater is a major power drain, especially when it’s kept at excessive temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also experience heat loss through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your monthly expenses.

The fix: Learn about the benefits of investing in a tankless water heater, which heats as needed. If that’s not an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and try not to overlook water heater maintenance. 

Too Little Insulation 

If your attic, walls and flooring have too little insulation, you’re most likely wasting energy, not to mention money. Quality insulation keeps heat indoors during the cold months and keeps hot summer air outside, so your HVAC system won’t need to run overtime. 

The fix: Add insulation to your attic, the easiest place to retrofit an existing home. You have several different types of insulation to work with, including classic fiberglass, loose-fill cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is often worth it for the added experience and proper installation. 

Take Advantage of Solar Energy

If you’re looking to REALLY enhance your home energy savings, consider investing in solar power. Panels alone can light your home during the day while an attached battery backup saves power for nighttime use and on stormy days. While solar systems require an initial investment, government incentives like tax credits are offered to help offset the investment. 

Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

McKinley Heating Service Experts can guide you to a more energy-efficient home. Our certified technicians deliver efficient and lasting fixes that keep your HVAC, plumbing and electrical utilities running at their peak. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can have full confidence in our work the first time. To set up a meeting, please contact us today.