Your Top Source for Eco-Friendly Home Tips
Living in an energy-efficient home is all about creating your ideal sense of comfort, reducing monthly expenses and helping the environment. A few smart changes 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. Too Little Insulation
If your home’s attic, walls and floors lack sufficient insulation, you’re probably losing a lot of energy, not to mention money. Proper insulation keeps heat in during the winter and keeps hot summer air outside, so the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
- The fix: Boost insulation levels to the attic, usually the most cost-effective spot for added insulation. There are many types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose and foam-based options. Consulting an experienced technician is almost always worth it for the added experience and quality work.
2. Run-Down Appliances
Outdated refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines use more energy than modern appliances. Insufficient upkeep may make things even worse.
- The fix: Use energy-saving strategies when running appliances. This includes running full loads in the dishwasher, 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, keep the coils clean to improve efficiency. And when it’s time to replace your appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® appliances. They’re designed to save on power without compromising quality.
3. Incandescent Lighting
Old incandescent bulbs are well-known energy wasters. In fact, they tend to produce more heat than light, 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. Additionally, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you exit the room. And for good measure, unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. For even more savings, think about adding smart controls to enable remote control.
4. Take Advantage of Solar Energy
If you’re ready to take your energy efficiency to the next level, it’s worth considering investing in solar power. Solar panels provide enough power during the day while a connected battery bank holds extra energy to use at night and on stormy days. While solar-compatible systems cost more up front, state and federal tax breaks are offered to help reduce some of the expense.
5. Water Heaters
Your worn-down water heater is a big energy consumer, especially in homes where it’s running at high temperatures or is actually larger than necessary for your home. Water heaters also lose heat through pipes without insulation, adding unnecessary costs to your utility bill.
- The fix: Learn about the benefits of switching to a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. If that isn’t cost-effective as an option, add insulation to your tank and pipes, set the temperature to 120° F and never neglect water heater maintenance.
6. Old, Leaking Doors and Windows
Drafty 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 pushed harder.
- The fix: If new windows aren’t in the budget, add caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows to close some of the gaps. When you’re prepared to invest in new windows, go for energy-efficient, low-emissivity (low-E) windows. These designs reduce energy loss by adding an air-filled layer between the inside and outside of your home.
7. A New HVAC System
Heating and cooling represent over half of the energy consumption 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 common issue, as they are prone to short cycling, resulting in unstable temperatures, poor humidity control and added strain on the system. Then, leaky ducts waste more energy, forcing your system to use more energy to achieve your set temperature.
- The fix: Install a properly sized high-efficiency HVAC system and have the air ducts inspected for air loss. Then, set up preventive maintenance to keep the system in better working condition for years to come. Installing a programmable thermostat also helps. Installing one allows you to set temperatures more precisely based on your schedule, so you don’t heat or cool the house when you’re not at home.
