Getting an energy efficient house is a big undertaking, but it’s well worth it. Many things can keep your home from being as energy efficient as possible. In this article, we will discuss five of the most common issues and how you can address them. We’ll also talk about getting a home energy audit to help identify vulnerable areas of your home.
Making your house more energy-efficient will save you money in the long run, so don’t wait any longer!
The 5 most common problems that can cause your home to be less energy efficient include:
- Poor insulation
- Drafty windows and doors
- Incorrectly sized heating and cooling systems
- Lack of regular maintenance or an old HVAC system
- Appliances or lighting that is not energy efficient
How Much Energy Does My House Use?
At the most basic level, a home uses energy to power its many different systems and appliances. This includes things like heating, cooling, lighting, water heating, and running the various electronic gadgets we rely on daily. With that in mind, the amount of energy that an average home consumes can vary widely depending on several different factors.
The primary considerations that affect home energy use include:
- climate
- insulation levels
- construction type
- ventilation methods
- lifestyle habits
For example, homes in more temperate climates generally use less energy for heating and cooling than those in colder regions. Also, older homes built with less efficient materials will use much more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. And modern homes with high-tech appliances may require more electricity or natural gas than those with older models. It is important to consider these factors when trying to estimate how much energy your home consumes on average.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to reduce your home’s overall energy usage. Whether through increased insulation or air sealing techniques, switching over to Energy Star labeled appliances, energy-efficient lighting, or updating your HVAC system, there are lots of different strategies you can try in order to
save money and use renewable energy resources to lower your home energy bills and create an energy-efficient house.
Creating An Energy Efficient Home
The most energy-efficient houses use various techniques and updates to make homes energy efficient.
Some of the most common methods include:
Update Insulation for Optimal Energy Efficiency
Updating and adding to the insulation in your home is one of the most effective ways to optimize energy efficiency. Insulation helps keep heat inside the home during winter and cool air inside during summer. This results in lower heating and cooling costs and increased comfort for residents. In addition, insulation also helps to reduce noise levels from outside and between adjacent rooms inside the home.
It is important to consider the
R-value when choosing new insulation, which indicates the material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be in optimizing energy efficiency. Updating insulation is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
A significant source of heat loss in the winter is drafty windows and doors. By sealing up these gaps, you can keep the heat inside your home where it belongs. In the summer, sealing drafts can also help to keep your home cooler by preventing cool air from escaping.
There are a variety of ways to seal updrafts, including weather-stripping, caulk, and window film. Some of these methods are more effective than others, so it’s important to research the best option for your needs. Taking the time to seal updrafts can help you save money on your energy bill and make your home more comfortable all year round.
Have a Professional Help Install the Correct Sized HVAC System
When it comes to your heating and cooling systems, size matters. A unit that is too small will have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable, which can lead to higher energy bills and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
Conversely, a too-large unit will cool or heat your home so quickly that it doesn’t have a chance to properly circulate the air, leading to inefficient operation and wasted energy.
That’s why it’s so important to have a professional HVAC contractor size your system correctly. They will take into account the square footage of your home, the number of windows and doors, the insulation levels, and other factors to ensure that you get a system that is just right for your needs.
With the right-sized HVAC system in place, you can enjoy greater comfort, less energy use, and energy-efficient home.
Have Your Heating and Cooling System Regularly Maintenanced
The key to a comfortable home is a well-functioning HVAC system. Heating and cooling account for a large portion of the energy used in the average home, so it’s important to make sure that your system is operating efficiently. One way to do this is to have a professional HVAC contractor perform regular maintenance on your system.
This includes checking and cleaning the air filter, inspecting the ductwork, and checking the refrigerant levels. These simple tasks can help keep your system running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Regular maintenance can also improve indoor air quality by removing dust and other airborne particulates from the air. So if you want to keep your home comfortable and your utility bills low, schedule regular HVAC maintenance appointments.
Replace Old Appliances and Lighting with Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
One of the best ways to save money and energy in your home is to replace old appliances and lighting with energy-efficient models. While the initial cost may be higher, energy-efficient appliances can save you money in the long run by using less energy. They also help to protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
When choosing new appliances, look for the Energy Star certified appliances, which indicates that the appliance meets strict energy efficiency standards.
When it comes to lighting, LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient option. They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. So, upgrading to
energy-efficient appliances and lighting is a wise investment that can save you money, save energy, and help the planet.
Get a Home Energy Audit
When it comes to minimizing your environmental impact, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving money, there are a few important things to remember when adding energy-efficient home features.
But how can you know if your home has leaks in its insulation or whether it’s wasting energy through inefficient windows and appliances? A home energy audit is the best way to find out. During an audit, a trained professional will assess your home’s energy use by looking for areas where heat or cool air might be escaping, assessing your home’s appliances for efficiency levels, and testing the insulation of your walls and roof.
Once these factors have been taken into account and any necessary upgrades have been made, you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing all you can to reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
Contact a Professional And Great an Energy Efficient Home Today
If you want an energy-efficient home, consider upgrading your insulation, sealing your doors and windows, upgrading your heating and cooling system, and replacing old lights and appliances with energy-efficient ones.
So if you’re concerned about the environment and looking to save some money on your energy bills, consider getting a
home energy audit today. Your reliable team at Wattson Home Solutions can help you upgrade the old with new and energy-efficient features. Our team can do everything from insulation to HVAC and
ductless heating and cooling systems to solar panels and
air sealing. We are the energy efficiency experts.
