Want Greater Energy Savings? Learn How Your Home’s Systems Work Interdependently

Want Greater Energy Savings? Learn How Your Home’s Systems Work Interdependently

The most efficient way you can create energy savings in your home is to take a whole-house strategy, which addresses how all your energy systems affect each other. If you learn how the heater, air conditioner, duct system, water, electricity, insulation and other components are integrated, you will have a better chance at optimizing your home energy.

Looking at your electric bill, pay attention to kilowatt hours, which is the amount of electricity you use. Ask your utility company if they provide clean alternatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing energy savings.

About half the energy in your home is from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which you should check after you’ve assessed all other energy components.

Check your home for cracks and gaps in places that connect with the outside, such as windows, vents, doors, plumbing and electrical outputs. Air sealing fixes these leaks with caulking and weather stripping. Then check your ducts for leaks under the house and in the attic, making sure they are insulated. Leaks can be repaired with mastic sealant. Gaps or disconnections in ducts can be fixed with mechanical fasteners.

Make sure your home is well insulated starting with the attic then check the walls and floors, with more emphasis on the roof. See if your windows need air sealing, exterior shading, drapes or blinds. You may want to replace old windows with air-tight double pane, low-e windows before upgrading your HVAC system.

Your HVAC system requires regular maintenance, such as replacing air filters and keeping other parts clean. A technician should be commissioned to check refrigerant levels and air flow, test the electric controls and look for leaks. Your lighting will be much more efficient if you switch to fluorescent bulbs. Finally, check your appliances such as your dishwasher, refrigerator and water heater to see if you need to replace them with newer components that generate energy savings.

For more expert advice about HVAC energy saving and other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to contact us. We’ve been serving the Pasadena area since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Pasadena, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Image courtesy of Shutterstock