12 Reasons Your Home Isn’t as Energy-Efficient as You Think
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Rising energy costs and an emphasis on environmental impact has many of us trying to make our homes as energy efficient as possible. But, even with the best intentions, there are still plenty of homes wasting energy in surprising ways. You may have sealed the windows, installed better insulation, or upgraded your appliances, but not all energy leaks are caught.
There are many subtle factors that can prevent your home from reaching its full energy saving potential including from hidden drafts to outdated habits. Let’s explore the top reasons your home may not be as energy savvy as you think, and some things you can do about it.
Old HVAC Systems
As heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems age, they lose efficiency, using far more energy to do the same job as a newer model. Your old HVAC system could be costing you hundreds more than you need to pay in energy bills per year. If your system is about to reach the end of its life span (typically 10 to 15 years), it may be time to switch to a newer, more energy efficient model.
Using Incandescent Bulbs
Those warm, glowing incandescent bulbs may make your home feel cozy, but they’re not helping your energy bill. LED bulbs use a lot less electricity than regular bulbs for lighting, and they last much longer, meaning you’ll spend less money on replacements.
Poor Thermostat Placement
You might not think about where your thermostat is, but that matters a lot. If it’s near an oven, a sunny window, or an exterior wall that gets cold, it could throw off your thermostat’s reading and force your HVAC to work harder. Moving it to a more central spot away from temperature extremes will allow it to get the room’s temperature right and make your heating and cooling more efficient.
Not Using a Programmable Thermostat
If your thermostat doesn’t automatically adjust throughout the day, you may be wasting energy without even realizing it. When you’re asleep or at work, a programmable thermostat can lower the temperature and not heat or cool an empty house, saving you money. In fact, you can even get your hands on smart thermostats that sense your habits and change accordingly to optimize efficiency.
Lack of Maintenance
Your HVAC and other appliances are just like a car, they need routine check ups to keep them working efficiently. These systems use more energy than they need to if the filters are dirty, vents are clogged or there is another problem. Filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month and annual inspections should be scheduled to ensure everything is running smoothly and you won’t be spending money on repairs and replacements.
Insufficient Insulation
It’s like wearing a t-shirt in a snowstorm: your home’s insulation just won’t keep you warm if it’s lacking! Keeping indoor temperatures up or down is critical, so insulation is essential, whether you’re cranking the heat in winter or the AC in summer. If your attic and walls aren’t properly insulated, or if you have old insulation, your HVAC system will be working overtime to keep you warm and cool, which will increase your energy bills.
Leaky Windows and Doors
A small draft around your windows and doors can be a major energy vampire. As the years pass, the seals on windows and doors begin to deteriorate, and the resulting small gaps allow your heated or cooled air to escape. Sealing up your home by running a bead of caulk along window frames, or replacing weather-stripping around doors, will help you cut down on those sneaky leaks.
Using Outdated Appliances
Outdated appliances can be energy hogs — you may have that one old refrigerator or washer that keeps going, but it probably uses more energy than newer models. The technology modern appliances are built to be much more efficient. Upgrading to Energy Star appliances can cut your energy usage considerably over time.
Leaving Electronics Plugged In
When they’re turned off, electronics such as TVs, chargers and gaming consoles still draw a little bit of electricity, called ‘phantom power.’ Paying a little closer attention and plugging these items into power strips and turning them off at night can stop the energy drain. It may not seem like a big deal, but as time goes on, it adds up on your utility bill.
Water Heater Woes
If your water heater is outdated or set at a high temperature, it’s one of the biggest energy hogs in your home. Insulating your water tank, and lowering the thermostat on your water heater to about 120 degrees won’t cost any more, and won’t hurt your comfort. If you’re ready for an upgrade, consider a tankless water heater, which only heats water as needed, much more efficiently than keeping a large tank of water heated all the time.
Using Single-Pane Windows
Single pane windows are notoriously bad at keeping cold or hot air out. Strictly speaking, the best way to minimize energy loss in your home is to upgrade to double pane windows with low emissivity (Low-E) coatings. They’re not cheap, but the long term savings on your energy bill, and the comfort that they bring, make them a good investment.
Ignoring Curtains and Blinds
Your window treatments can really help you keep your home’s temperature in check. In the summer, keeping blinds or curtains closed can help prevent rooms from overheating while in the winter opening them lets sunlight naturally warm your space. Further energy savings can be realized with thermal or insulated curtains which deflect heat loss through windows.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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