Introduction
Wiring your home properly for energy efficiency can help you save significantly on your electricity bills. With some simple upgrades and wiring tweaks, you can ensure your home uses energy in the most efficient way possible. In this article, I will share overlooked tips on how to wire your home to maximize energy efficiency.
Ensure Proper Insulation in Attics and Walls
Proper insulation in your home's attics, exterior walls, and crawl spaces is crucial for energy efficiency. Insulation creates a barrier between the inside and outside of your home, preventing heated or cooled air from escaping. Here are some tips for insulation:
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Use insulation with an R-value of at least R-30 in attics and R-13 in exterior walls. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating capability.
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Inspect your insulation to ensure it meets the recommended R-value and covers all areas in attics, walls and crawl spaces. Add more if needed.
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Seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or spray foam to prevent drafts.
Upgrade Old Appliances to Energy Efficient Models
Appliances account for over 20% of home energy use. Upgrading to energy efficient models can reduce consumption significantly.
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When buying new appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, look for ENERGY STAR rated models.
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Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs, which use at least 75% less energy.
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Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR water heater to save $30 or more per year on water heating costs.
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Consider installing an ENERGY STAR heat pump which can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%.
Install Smart Thermostats and Switches
Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee and smart switches allow you to control systems remotely and add automation to reduce wasted energy.
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Smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely and learn your schedule to optimize heating and cooling. This can save approx. 15% on bills.
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Smart switches can turn lights off automatically when not in use and set lighting schedules.
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Smart plugs can turn off appliances completely when not in use to avoid phantom load waste.
Seal Air Leaks Around Doors, Ducts and Vents
Sealing areas where conditioned air can leak out is one of the most cost effective ways to boost efficiency.
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Apply weather stripping around door frames and windowsills to seal air leaks.
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Use spray foam to seal gaps and cracks around plumbing, wiring, vents, and ducts.
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Ensure dryer, bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents have flappers that close tightly when not in use.
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Cover single pane windows with indoor window plastic film to create an additional air barrier.
Adjust Ductwork for Optimal Air Flow
Ductwork distributes heated and cooled air throughout your home. Ensuring it is properly sealed and aligned improves efficiency.
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Use metal duct tape to fully seal duct joints and connections.
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Insulate ducts that pass through unheated spaces like attics or crawl spaces.
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Straighten any crushed or bent ducts to optimize air flow.
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Regularly replace dirty air filters to maintain proper air flow.
Conclusion
Wiring your home intelligently and taking advantage of insulation, high efficiency appliances, smart controls, and air sealing techniques can help maximize energy savings. Proper wiring and upgrades like these can reduce your electricity usage by up to 20% or more. Investing in home energy efficiency also increases your home's value. With some diligence and commitment to efficiency, you can save significantly on utility bills while increasing comfort.