10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home
Improving home energy efficiency does not always require a major renovation. A combination of maintenance, air sealing, insulation improvements and efficient equipment can help reduce unnecessary energy use while improving comfort throughout the home.
The best improvements depend on the age, construction and existing systems of the property. The following ten areas provide a practical starting point for homeowners.
1. Reduce Unwanted Air Leakage
Air leakage around windows, doors, attic hatches and exterior penetrations can contribute to drafts and heat loss. Deteriorated weatherstripping and exterior sealants should be repaired or replaced where appropriate.
More significant air-sealing work should consider ventilation and moisture management so that the overall building performs properly after improvements are completed.
2. Improve Insulation Where Appropriate
Attics, exterior walls and foundation areas can be significant sources of heat loss when insulation is missing, displaced or insufficient.
Accessible attic insulation should remain reasonably uniform and should not block required ventilation openings. More complex wall or foundation upgrades should be planned with the complete building assembly in mind.
3. Use Heating and Cooling Equipment Efficiently
Heating and cooling equipment should be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. Dirty filters, blocked registers and poorly maintained equipment can reduce performance and comfort.
When replacement becomes necessary, homeowners can compare modern high-efficiency equipment, including heat pumps where suitable for the property and climate.
4. Manage Indoor Temperatures
A programmable or smart thermostat can help reduce unnecessary heating and cooling when the home is unoccupied or during appropriate overnight periods.
Temperature settings should remain suitable for the occupants, the building and any systems that could be affected by excessively low indoor temperatures.
5. Improve Windows and Doors
Windows and exterior doors should close and latch properly and should have serviceable weatherstripping and sealants.
Older windows do not always require immediate replacement. Air leakage, failed sealed-glass units, deteriorated frames and poor operation should be evaluated individually before deciding whether repair or replacement provides the best value.
6. Reduce Water-Heating Energy Use
Water heating represents a significant portion of household energy use. Efficient fixtures, reasonable hot-water use and properly maintained water-heating equipment can help reduce consumption.
When replacement is necessary, homeowners should compare equipment type, capacity, energy source, efficiency and operating costs rather than selecting equipment based only on purchase price.
7. Use LED Lighting
LED lighting provides an efficient replacement for older incandescent and halogen lamps and is available for most common residential fixtures.
Lights should also be turned off when rooms are not in use, and exterior lighting can be controlled with timers, motion sensors or suitable automated controls.
8. Choose Efficient Appliances
When major appliances require replacement, compare their energy-use information as well as purchase price, capacity and expected operating requirements.
Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and dishwashers should also be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations so they can operate as efficiently as practical.
9. Use Laundry, Dishwashing and Cooking Equipment Wisely
- Run washers and dishwashers with appropriate loads rather than frequent partial loads where practical.
- Clean dryer lint filters regularly and keep dryer exhaust systems unobstructed.
- Use suitable cooking equipment for the quantity of food being prepared.
- Use lids on pots where appropriate to reduce cooking time.
- Air-dry clothing when practical.
10. Address the Building Before Replacing Equipment
Before investing in larger heating or cooling equipment, consider whether excessive energy use may be related to air leakage, insulation deficiencies, deteriorated windows or other building-envelope conditions.
Correcting building-envelope problems can improve comfort and may reduce the heating or cooling load placed on mechanical equipment.
How Thermal Imaging May Help
Infrared thermal imaging can sometimes identify temperature differences associated with air leakage, missing or displaced insulation and other building-envelope irregularities when conditions are suitable.
Thermal imaging is a supplementary inspection tool and does not see through walls or replace invasive investigation, moisture testing or a formal energy evaluation.
Learn more about our thermal imaging inspection service or get an inspection quote for your property.
Call 819-962-5880 or email info@inspec-pro.ca.