It’s crucial to consider your energy efficiency, whether you have installed a home solar system or are thinking about adding one. Because an energy-efficient home will consume less electricity, solar energy can offset more of your utility costs. To assist, we’ve provided some advice below.
Heating and Cooling Effectively
Over half of the energy utilized in your house is used for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Making wise choices about the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home can significantly impact your utility costs.
Replace the air filter.
Cleaning and replacing your filters regularly is one of the simplest methods to save energy on heating and cooling your home. Your HVAC system must work harder to maintain a steady temperature when the air filter is blocked with dirt. According to the Department of Energy (DOE) estimates, replacing an air filter that is blocked or worn out can reduce your air conditioning usage by as much as 15%!
Upkeep for your equipment
Preventative maintenance will keep your heating and cooling system operating at its best. Regularly replace your air filter. The system won’t accumulate dust and debris, which could result in costly maintenance or early system failure if the filter is kept clean. Clean up your HVAC system. One of the most crucial things you can do to avoid further issues is to get proper maintenance performed by a skilled professional.
Your HVAC ducts should be sealed.
Forced-air heating and cooling systems employ ducts to convey conditioned air throughout the building, which is a significant energy consumer. However, leaks, gaps, and improperly connected ducts cause 20 to 30 per cent of the air that circulates through a typical home to be lost. The end consequence is a poorly functioning HVAC system, excessive utility costs, and trouble maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
Invest in new equipment
A professional HVAC contractor should be consulted if your HVAC system is more than ten years old or isn’t keeping your home comfortable. Consider replacing it with a new unit if it needs upgrading or is not operating effectively.
Putting in a smart thermostat
Simply resetting your thermostat while you are asleep or away from home can help you save money on your heating and cooling costs. And you don’t have to give up comfort—you can accomplish this automatically! There are several programmable thermostats available that make this process simple and automated. By setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees lower than usual for 8 hours a day, you can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 10%!
Remember to maintain your solar panels will ensure that they work to their best capacity and produce as much energy as possible for your home solar system. Click here for more details on how to take care of your panels.
Fixes for Saving Energy Around the House
In addition to improving the efficiency of your HVAC system, you may save a lot of energy and possibly even money by making simple modifications to your daily routine.
Use cold water for laundry and clean the lint filter as quick repair #1.
Simply heating the water requires up to 90% of the energy to run a clothes washer. You may use less energy by putting your garments through cold cycles. Additionally, cleaning the dryer’s filter after each load will enhance air circulation and boost the dryer’s effectiveness. Additionally, it’s a crucial safety precaution.
Change out your lightbulbs as quick fix #2.
It’s time to replace some of your most-used light fixtures and/or bulbs if you haven’t already switched to LED bulbs. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED lights consume substantially less energy and don’t generate as much heat. Residential LED lighting is 25 times more energy efficient and lasts up to 80% longer than incandescent lighting. Plan to replace all the bulbs in your house, even if you only purchase a couple each month.
Unplug all of your appliances, quick fix #3
We refer to this as vampire power or phantom power, and coffee makers, phone chargers, and other standard household equipment use it. These devices use power when switched off or not in use, simply by plugging into an electrical socket. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a device using 1 watt of electrical current continuously consumes 9 kWh annually, amounting to a cost of $1 (or, more specifically, $1/watt/annually). Given how many appliances are utilized in the typical household, annual costs can easily reach $100 to $200.
Simply walking through your home, identifying “energy hogs,” and unplugging them can result in considerable financial savings. Use timers for outlets, unplug anything you’re not using, power strips for anything you know consumes power while not in use, power settings on your computer or TV and unplug anything you’re not using.
Plug electronics into a bright power strip as quick fix number four.
As long as your power strip is on, the devices hooked into it will continue to use energy, even if they are in sleep mode. Traditional power strips are designed to safeguard your gadgets from electrical surges. Your devices and wallet are both protected by an intelligent power strip! Smart power strips can recognize when a device is in standby mode and turn off the power to conserve energy. Your energy expenses will decrease if you use a bright power strip to help you use less energy overall.
Weatherize or modernize your windows and doors; quick fix no five
Have you ever experienced a draught when you were standing outside your door? Or perhaps when you’re near specific windows? A home loses between 25 and 30 per cent of its heating energy through windows, so your money is being wasted!
These draughts are air leaks, which can be expensive to fix if left unattended. According to EnergyStar, homeowners may reduce their heating and cooling expenses by an average of 15% by air-sealing their homes and insulating their attics and crawl spaces. A well-insulated and leak-free home decreases the amount of energy required by your HVAC system to maintain the temperature inside your house. This might enable you to make significant savings on your subsequent energy payment.
Your home’s comfort can be increased, and energy usage can be significantly reduced by replacing your windows and doors. When ENERGY STAR-certified windows and doors are installed, energy costs and carbon footprints can be reduced by an average of 12% nationwide. You also consume less energy when you have energy-efficient windows and doors, lowering your dwellings’ greenhouse gas emissions. To cut heating and cooling costs and enhance home comfort, you may also replace or update your window coverings to reduce energy loss through the windows. Your most excellent option for windows that still seem draughty after weatherizing is to install snug-fitting, insulating window coverings!
Reduce the temperature of your water heater as quick fix #6.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that water heaters utilize nearly 17% of the energy used in a typical home, more than all other appliances. Your water heater’s temperature can be decreased effectively to save monthly energy costs without sacrificing the hot water needed for bathing or washing. The majority of water heaters come pre-set at 140° F or 60°C. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that lowering the thermostat to 120°F/49°C can result in annual savings of up to $60.
Use energy-efficient appliances like Quick Fix #7.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® designation when you are shopping for new appliances. The U.S. Department of Energy has approved ENERGY STAR appliances, and they will use less energy annually than their non-ENERGY STAR equivalents. For instance, a new refrigerator with the ENERGY STAR logo consumes at least 15% less energy than not certified versions. That means you can save hundreds of dollars a year on your energy bill by replacing the appliances in your home with energy-efficient modifications.
To help you shift your electricity use to off-peak hours, some manufacturers now offer “smart” appliances, which can be connected to smart electric metres or home energy management systems. When electricity demand is at its highest, intelligent appliances don’t simply shut off; instead, they change how they use energy in quiet ways that you probably won’t even notice. Intelligent appliances could help you save money on your utility bill if your utility charges lower rates for electricity at night, also known as time-based or time-of-use rates.
Solar energy and energy efficiency go together perfectly.
There is no better time to start living an energy-conscious lifestyle than right now, and making the change is straightforward. And if you want to save as much energy as possible, solar panels can help you do so faster, effectively increasing your financial savings and helping keep the environment cleaner! Going solar has many advantages, including financial savings, increased property value, and environmental protection. Request a free quote today to learn more about going solar.