The Energy-Efficient Home: Why All Systems Need to Be in Sync
There are many benefits to having an energy-efficient home. Your family is comfortable regardless of the weather and you’ll save on your monthly utility bills. But to accomplish this, all your home systems must work together. Learn how to accomplish this and have an energy-efficient home.
Are Your Home Systems Efficient?
If any one part of your HVAC system isn’t functioning correctly, you’ll start to see problems in other areas – your utility bill will go up, some rooms will be drafty, you’ll begin to have moisture problems, family members experiencing allergy problems, etc.
So what are your related home systems?
They include the windows, ductwork, insulation, lighting and appliances, and they must work efficiently to achieve an energy-efficient home. If your windows are old, they should be replaced or sealed with weatherstripping or caulk. Ductwork should have no gaps and all seams or leaks should be sealed with mastic sealant or metal tape. Ductwork often is installed in the attic, crawlspace or garage. Having duct leaks means that you’re heating and cooling these areas – costing you money.
Insulation in your attic and elsewhere is necessary to slow down thermal energy transfer in both summer and winter. The correct amount and type of insulation helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Install Energy Star rated appliances. The more efficient your appliances are, the less energy they’ll use. Replace incandescent lighting. By using compact fluorescent lighting, waste heat and energy are reduced by 75 percent. Save Money with a Home Inspection To have an energy-efficient home, you can check many of these home systems yourself. However, some of them, such as your HVAC system and duct system, should be checked by professionals on a regular basis.
Please contact us at Sobeiski Services today and let us check how efficiently your home systems are performing. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).
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