At Home Team Electric, we specialize in helping homeowners like you implement upgrades that make properties more energy-efficient. By making some smart modifications, you can reduce energy usage, save substantially on utility bills, and do your part for the environment. An energy-efficient home is also more comfortable and cost-effective to live in year-round. Here are some tips for boosting efficiency using our electrical expertise.

1. Upgrade to Efficient Lighting

Replacing traditional incandescent and CFL bulbs with advanced LED lighting makes a big impact on home energy efficiency. LED bulbs use at least 75% less electricity while lasting 25 times longer. They give off very little heat too, reducing AC demands. We recommend installing Energy Star-certified LEDs providing the same brightness and light quality as classic bulbs. Start with the most frequently used fixtures and work toward replacing all lighting for maximum savings.

In addition to standard screw-in bulbs, we suggest swapping outdated recessed can lights, under-cabinet fixtures, spotlights, and lamps for integrated LED versions. New lighting technology also includes stylish designs like wafer-thin panels, wraparound linear fixtures, and custom LED neon. Take advantage of rebates and tax incentives when available on qualifying energy-efficient lighting and controls.

2. Install Smart Thermostats

Programmable smart thermostats intelligently control your home’s temperature 24/7 for comfort and savings. With user-friendly mobile apps and scheduling, you can easily customize heating and cooling to match your lifestyle. Clever occupancy and motion sensors auto-adjust as needed when you’re asleep or away, preventing energy waste.

Based on square footage, multiple thermostats zoned by area may optimize savings and comfort the best. Smart thermostats also integrate with other smart home technology like voice assistants, air purifiers, and security systems for maximum control. If replacing an outdated mercury thermostat, properly disposing of the hazardous material is crucial, so let our experts handle this for you. We offer professional smart thermostat installation ensuring correct wiring and full functionality of energy-saving settings and features.

3. Improve Insulation

Proper insulation in attics, exterior and basement walls, crawl spaces, and any gaps helps regulate indoor temperatures while reducing heating and cooling demands. Sealing these areas prevents costly energy loss from uncontrolled air leakage. It’s important to use high-quality insulation products meeting CODE requirements from industry leaders to maximize efficiency.

Don’t forget that insulation wears down over years of exposure to heat, cold, moisture, pests, and general wear and tear. We recommend having your home’s insulation inspected annually as needs may change with upgrades like HVAC system replacement or renovations. Improving inadequate insulation is one of the wisest energy-saving investments and could provide up to a 20% reduction in annual utility costs.

4. Seal Air Leaks

Plugging drafts in your home’s envelope through cracks, gaps, and penetrations effectively air-seals the structure. Apply long-lasting caulks, spray foams, weather stripping, and other sealants to keep conditioned air inside rather than escaping. This also keeps dust, pests, and environmental contaminants out. Prevent wasted energy and money due to air leaks around windows, doors, pipes, wires, outlets, and any exterior openings.

While do-it-yourself sealing projects help, we recommend a professional home energy audit to identify the biggest areas of air leakage. An experienced eye can detect hidden gaps costing you tons on energy bills. Blower door tests utilized during an audit pressurize your home to help pinpoint leaks that would be undetectable otherwise. Don’t assume leaks just exist around doors and windows or in older homes either. Even new construction requires diligent sealing for maximum air tightness and energy efficiency. Let us know if you want a professional insulation inspection or energy audit.

5. Upgrade HVAC Equipment

Replacing outdated heating and cooling equipment with modern high-efficiency systems significantly boosts home energy efficiency. New Energy Star-certified central air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and mini splits maximize heating and cooling output while minimizing power consumption. They integrate advanced features like variable-capacity compressors that adjust according to current demands.

Professionals can equip new installations with smart technology like internet-connected programmable thermostats, advanced humidification control, premium air filtration, zoning, and automation capabilities. It is crucial to properly size new HVAC systems for your home’s specific square footage and layout to ensure ideal comfort and efficiency.

HVAC technicians use Manual J calculations and Manual D duct design analysis to configure new systems for optimal performance. If your heating and cooling equipment is over 10 years old, an upgrade could pay for itself within a few years through energy savings.

6. Install High-Performance Windows

Energy-efficient windows prevent valuable heated and cooled air from escaping while reducing unwanted outside noise. Replacing dated windows with new high-performance models better insulates homes for lower energy usage and costs. Advanced glazing, gas fills, low-emissivity coatings, and improved framing provide superior insulation. When choosing products, look for the NFRC and Energy Star logos indicating efficiency ratings adhering to strict certification standards.

Professionals recommend installing windows with U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients customized specifically for your region’s climate. These measures indicate heat conduction and the ability to block summer solar heat, respectively. Some utility companies and manufacturers offer rebates that make new window upgrades even more budget-friendly. New windows also increase home resale value, make rooms feel larger, and can provide striking curb appeal.

7. Seal Ductwork

Leaky HVAC ducts waste valuable heated and cooled air, making systems work extra hard ramping up energy use and costs. Even properly installed ducts can loosen and disconnect over years of use. Professionally sealing ducts prevents costly air loss by maximizing the intended airflow to each room. Professionals use durable metal-backed tape for a tight permanent seal that resists future detachment.

In addition to sealing, periodic duct cleaning services using powerful HEPA vacuums to remove accumulated dust, dander, and debris are also recommended. Built-up pollutants get blown through registers, reducing indoor air quality. Removing particulates also enhances airflow and equipment efficiency. Sealing and cleaning HVAC ductwork provides energy savings with the added perk of improving home air purity.

8. Install Smart Power Strips

Plugging TVs, computers, game consoles, printers, phone chargers, and other devices into “smart” power strips reduces their standby phantom energy waste. Advanced automatic sensors conveniently cut power to peripherals when main electronics turn off or enter sleep mode. This prevents the attached devices from perpetually sucking energy even while powered off.

Startup power surges prematurely wear electronics too. Built-in surge protectors safeguard expensive equipment from unexpected voltage spikes that commonly occur in homes. Some advanced models even cut power automatically during periods of inactivity. Smart power strips provide an easy way to slash standby energy waste and protect home electronics.

9. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Modernizing your home’s electrical panel is crucial for supporting energy efficiency improvements and handling the demands of today’s high-efficiency appliances and systems. An outdated electrical panel can limit the efficiency of your HVAC system, lighting, and other energy-saving upgrades due to insufficient power distribution and safety concerns.

Additionally, an upgraded electrical panel can improve your home’s resale value and appeal to energy-conscious buyers. We specialize in assessing your current and future energy needs, recommending the appropriate panel upgrade, and professionally installing it to meet all local codes and standards.

Improve Your Energy Efficiency With Professional Help

Home Team Electric performs a variety of electrical services to assist with efficiency upgrades like installing lighting, wiring smart thermostats, replacing outdated panels, and more. Our master electricians can also conduct thorough home energy audits. Contact us anytime to discuss boosting your home’s energy efficiency with our skilled team.

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