How to Conserve Energy in Your Home

The top consumers of energy in your home are your HVAC system, water heating, appliances, lighting, and television and media equipment, so decreasing energy consumption in these areas could have the biggest positive impact on your wallet — and, perhaps more importantly, on the environment.

HVAC System

Your HVAC system — heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning — is responsible for heating and cooling your home, and it can include a furnace, an air-conditioning unit, a thermostat, and ductwork. This system uses more than half of your home’s energy consumption. So replacing a poorly functioning HVAC system with a new one could decrease your energy consumption dramatically and improve your overall carbon footprint. But improving how you maintain an existing system can also make a difference. To support your unit’s efficiency, change air filters regularly, install programmable thermostats, make sure your AC is free of dust and debris to improve system airflow and arrange for regular maintenance to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.

Water Heating

Install an Energy Star®–certified gas-fired tankless water heater, which could save you up to 30% on energy costs compared to older, less efficient water heaters . Taking shorter baths and showers — is one of the best ways to conserve hot water (and, therefore, energy). Installing faucet aerators on your taps and a water-saving showerhead in your shower, fixing any leaky hot-water faucets, and insulating hot water pipes are other ways to cut back on unnecessary energy depletion.

Appliances

Whenever it’s time to replace an appliance — dishwasher, fridge, washing machine, dryer, microwave, and the like — opt for an Energy Star®–certified product. You could see savings on your energy bill. For example, an Energy Star®–certified dishwasher uses 12% less energy than other models, and a washing machine uses 25% less energy and 33% less water than a standard model.

Lighting

Energy Star® products can make a big difference in this category as well: light fixtures use up to 90% less energy than traditional models and can last significantly longer than incandescent ones. Even cost-free changes to your routine can have an impact: turn off all lights when not in use, incorporate natural light into your routine as much as possible (also better for getting quality zzzs), and use task lighting instead of overhead light sources.

Television, Media Equipment and Other Devices

How many things do you have plugged into the walls of your home at any given time? Probably three times as many as need to be. Disconnect rarely used devices and appliances to cut back on that passive power drain. Think television, media devices, printer, toaster oven, that empty, extra fridge in the garage and your coffee maker, to name a few.

Replace Electric Baseboard Heating with a Ductless Heat Pump

Are you relying on electric baseboard heating to warm that cold corner of your home or extension? A heat pump transfers heat instead of creating it; therefore, it uses less electricity than an electric baseboard heater.

Ready to make your home more energy-efficient? Call on Reliance™, and one of our expert Home Comfort Advisors can help you make the right choices for your home, family and budget. We can also help advise you on what rebates you may be eligible for in your area.