For people in Calgary, making sure that you have the most energy-efficient home that you can is important. It saves you money in the long run on your utility bills, and on maintenance costs. The various systems that are used to make your house as energy efficient as possible are all connected in some way. You can think of it like a puzzle: you need all the pieces to make a whole picture.
Here are some areas that might need attention, to make sure that you have the most energy-efficient home possible.
Seal Air Leaks
There are places that your home should allow air to come through the walls and roof, and other areas where that isn’t good. The doors and window frames shouldn’t be allowing air to pass through freely. These can easily be sealed up with some caulk and weatherstripping. Another common site of air leaks is where plumbing and electrical connections come into the house. These areas should be caulked as well.
Improperly Installed or Sealed Ducts Can Leak Air
If your ductwork isn’t properly insulated and sealed, it can leak air out, reducing the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. If the ducts are installed in unconditioned areas of your home, such as the crawlspace or attic, this can lead to a greater loss of efficiency.
Insulation Is Important
If your home isn’t adequately insulated, then your HVAC system will have to work a lot harder in order to meet the temperature requirement set by the thermostat.
Old Windows Leak a Lot of Air
Manufacturers have made a lot of efficiency gains with modern windows. Consider replacing old windows with updated, energy efficient ones.
A major area to look at when you’re considering improvements to make the most energy-efficient home possible is the HVAC system. HVAC appliances last a long time, if properly maintained, but older equipment can be as much as 30 percent less efficient than modern HVAC appliances.
For more expert information about energy-efficient homes and other home comfort related questions, contact Arpi’s today. We have been serving the Calgary area for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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