An energy-efficient house uses far less energy while providing a traditional home’s protection, comfort, convenience, and aesthetic appeal. A proper energy assessment can uncover energy losses, indicating needed repairs and replacements. They can also make you aware of unfit appliances, giving you peace of mind. Boosting your home’s energy efficiency after checking if it is energy efficient can cut your utility bill, too. Here are eight steps to determine if your house is energy efficient.
1. Check Air Leaks
Checking for air leaks can tell you whether your house is energy efficient. A well-sealed home will hold valuable conditioned air, saving you money on energy bills. If you have an HVAC system, regular monitoring for air leaks is essential to ensure your system runs well. The first step to checking for air leaks is to inspect your home. Cracks or gaps in your windows, doors, and walls are what could allow air to escape. Caulk or weatherstripping can seal these gaps and prevent air leaks. Another way to check for air leaks is to conduct a blower-door test. This test involves using a special fan to depressurize your home to identify leaks. Professionals can check if your home has leaks that might impact your HVAC system’s performance.
2. Check for Condensation on the Windows
Condensation is a sign that your house’s heating system is using too much power, which means the house is not energy efficient. If you find water droplets on your windows and doors every morning, it is a sign that your house does not retain heat. Condensation develops when warm or moist air inside your house meets a cold surface and condenses into water. If you’re using a heat pump or a furnace to warm your house, the warm, condensed air means that the heating equipment has to produce more warm air to maintain the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. HVAC systems may consume more power to produce warm air, leading to higher electricity bills. Contacting an HVAC technician to evaluate what is causing condensation in your house is best.
3. Check Your Energy Bills
If you pay significant amounts on your energy bills, your house is not energy efficient. Various HVAC parts may consume a lot of power due to faults in the system or faults in your house. For instance, if your home is exposed to high dust levels, it will affect your equipment’s normal functioning. If the dust affects the AC’s air filters, this equipment will need more power to cool your house. In the case of a furnace, the dust will put undue stress on it during operation, consuming more energy. HVAC experts can assess the condition of your HVAC system and your house and determine what is causing high energy bills.
4. Check the Insulation
How your home is insulated can determine whether it is energy efficient or not. If your house has proper insulation, it will save you energy costs by keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulation also minimizes cool drafts and heat loss, increasing home comfort. Temperature fluctuations, dampness and moisture on the walls, and the feeling of drafts and breezes are signs that your house is not well insulated. In an improperly insulated house, your HVAC systems will use more power to deliver the temperatures you desire. HVAC technicians can check your home’s insulation and offer a solution to these issues.
5. Inspect the HVAC System
One of the most significant contributors to your home’s energy consumption is your HVAC system. Your system dictates how much you’ll pay for electricity. Heating and cooling your home accounts for nearly half of the energy used in a typical home. Therefore, ensuring your HVAC system works well to consume reasonable amounts of energy is essential. One way to check the energy efficiency of your HVAC system is to examine the air filters. Air filters filled with debris can reduce airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills. We recommend that you change your air filter every two to three months, though this may vary depending on your home’s needs.
The condition of the ductwork also shows your HVAC system’s energy efficiency. Leaky ducts can lose up to 30% of the air that passes through them, causing your HVAC system to work harder and consume more energy. Insulating and sealing ducts can improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and save you money on your monthly bills. Consider advancing to a programmable thermostat that will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on your monthly bills.
6. Assess Large Appliances
Evaluating large appliances can help you know if your house is energy efficient. Apart from HVAC systems, other large appliances that use more power include the washing machine, dishwasher, freezer, lighting system, and refrigerator. HVAC professionals can help you audit your appliances to know what uses more energy. Some appliances might consume more energy if they have a faulty part. For instance, if defective, an air conditioning unit and a heat pump or furnace can consume high energy levels to heat and cool your house.
7. Check the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating
An EPC certificate can help you determine whether or not your house is energy efficient. This certificate is an essential document providing accurate home energy efficiency information. Accredited assessors rate homes and provide scores regarding how you use energy. The EPC contains data on the estimated expenses of energy costs for your house and provides a detailed analysis of various existing features, including insulation and heating systems. The EPC also lets you understand how to increase your rating if you invest in a few upgrades.
8. Consider Ventilation
Ventilation is necessary for any home to prevent backdrafts and indoor air pollution. Backdrafting is where exhaust fans and combustion appliances compete for fresh air. A poorly ventilated house may have high carbon monoxide levels, which creates an unhealthy and dangerous situation at home. Ventilation contributes to energy efficiency if carried out properly. A house with excess ventilation uses excess power because the heating and cooling systems have to do extra work to maintain the house’s temperature at an optimum level. An HVAC expert can recommend the most efficient way to ventilate your house to save energy and be safe.
Turn to the Professionals
At BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair, we’re dedicated to improving your Las Vegas, NV, home’s indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Our experienced technicians can perform a significant energy assessment of your home and spot problems that may have been overlooked. We also provide heating and cooling services. We can help you maintain indoor comfort with our plumber services. Our repair and preventative maintenance services will ensure your HVAC system runs in excellent shape, improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Call BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair today for more information on our energy-saving products and services for your home. We’ll help you achieve the energy-efficient home you deserve.
