One of the primary challenges in Western NC is the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Summers can be sweltering, with temperatures soaring, while winters bring frigid temperatures and even snow in higher elevations.
How To Make An Old Home More Energy Efficient
When your home is older than your granny’s, you could be living with high energy bills. They were constructed before the invention of advanced systems and central heating and air systems. Fortunately, you can make your old home as energy-efficient as a modern one with some modifications. Don’t wait for too long to upgrade your old home. Here are some smart energy-efficient improvements you can implement on your old home in Whittier to make it comfortable throughout the year.
Get an Energy Audit
You probably know that your home is inefficient, but it would pay to have factual data and evidence. It is advisable to hire an expert for a home energy audit to help you understand precisely where your home is losing energy. The home energy assessment entails a room-by-room examination by a licensed energy inspector that gives you a visual map of where energy is getting wasted and how to fix the situation. While you may need to pay for an energy audit, it is still a cost-effective way of getting insights to make the proper enhancements and save energy.
Upgrade Your Windows
The right windows can trap in cool air during the hot months and hot air in the winter. It would be best to install modern windows to enable you to save on heating and cooling costs. You might pay more than you want to upfront to replace your old windows with energy-efficient ones, but you’ll be rewarded with long-term energy savings for decades. The best windows to install are those insulated with argon between the panes. Also, consider looking for windows with low-emissivity coatings on their glasses. You can be certain to save up to 50% on your home energy bills.
Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Replacing your traditional incandescent lights with energy-efficient options is cheaper than most other improvements on an old home. More energy-efficient light bulbs will last you longer than conventional incandescent. Therefore, even if you may incur more expense up front, you are unlikely to replace the bulbs as often. Energy-efficient bulbs use less than two-thirds of the energy that standard bulbs use, and they also last more than 10 times longer.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
Water heaters are a leading cause of high energy bills in homes. A water heater that was installed decades ago is likely to consume more energy than a modern heater. You can make your old home more energy efficient by installing a tankless water heater. It is an energy-efficient option that lasts for longer than traditional water heaters. You may also consider a tankless water heater that reuses exhaust gas to heat water faster and saves energy costs.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation is a major contributor to energy losses in old homes. There were no insulation options during the construction of older homes, so you need an upgrade. Consider hiring a professional to determine how much insulation you require for optimal efficiency in your home. The amount of insulation you have is often based on the climate in your neighborhood and your house’s construction. One of the effective ways is to insulate your walls and the attic. Insulation also prevents ice dams, which are common in cold weather climates.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Even if your old home has an AC or heating unit, it is likely an outdated system. You are probably missing out on technological advancements for energy efficiency unless you installed them five years ago. HVAC manufacturers frequently upgrade their systems for optimal performance. Therefore, if your HVAC unit is more than two decades old, it is time to upgrade it if you want to save on energy costs in your old home. An upgrade will save you money by reducing the cost of energy bills.
Seal Air Gaps and Leaks
Consider locating air gaps and leaks in your old home and seal them to prevent cooling and heating losses. Common areas to look out for air leaks and gaps include pipe inlets, doors and windows, the attic, and the foundation. You can hire a professional to address the issue through insulation, weather stripping, and tape caulk. These options can significantly enhance the overall efficiency of an old home.
Make Your Old Home Efficient With the Pros
You can use these tips to increase an old home’s energy efficiency and increase your comfort. We have a team of qualified and licensed professionals who can help you reduce energy costs by making your home energy efficient. We are also experienced in repairing and installing all brands of AC units, ductwork, and maintenance agreements. Contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems today to learn how to make your old home energy efficient.