How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
The state of Minnesota offers incentives and rebates for energy-efficient homes. Like their home state, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox love solving efficiency problems. When the Wisconsin River was blocked by a logjam, the people at the river’s basin weren’t getting enough water. Together, Paul and Babe broke through the blockage, providing water to the residents down the stream. Now, this legendary pair are teaming up again to use their plumbing and HVAC knowledge to help you make your home more energy-efficient.
1. Upgrade Your Boiler
By operating at a lower temperature, high-efficiency boilers reduce your heating bill without sacrificing the warmth you need.
When combined with a water heater sidearm, your hot water will come from the boiler system. The heater’s tank is insulated, keeping the energy longer so the boiler doesn’t need to operate as often.
The system provides hot water year-round, even when the boiler doesn’t need to heat your home. Since the system remains active, it won’t experience the deterioration standard boilers do during idle seasons.
2. Install a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to make your home more efficient. High-efficiency ACs have variable speed air handlers and compressors that not only consume less energy but also provide more even cooling throughout your home. Their focus on efficiency also means they’ll need fewer repairs and have a longer lifespan than normal AC units.
3. Fix Leaks Throughout the House
According to the EPA, the average American home wastes almost 10,000 gallons of water a year. The wasted water comes from leaking faucets, toilets, and valves. By repairing plumbing leaks as they develop, you can save water and reduce your bill.
Low-flow toilets provide even more savings. While standard toilets use between 3.5 and 7 gallons per flush, low-flows only use 1.6.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to control the comfort level in your home, even when you’re not there. While you’re at work, set the temperature in your home to 68°F, which will save you up to 10% on your energy bills.
When it comes to your plumbing systems, changing your water heater’s thermostat to 120° also reduces your energy usage.
5. Conduct Proper Maintenance
A routine maintenance schedule will keep your HVAC systems efficient and provide you with peace of mind.
Have your furnace inspected annually before winter to ensure it’s running at peak performance and that your home is well-heated when the weather is at its coldest.
By changing the filters in your air conditioner every few months, you can reduce its energy consumption between 5% and 15%.
If you’re making changes to your plumbing or your HVAC systems, Paul and Babe are here to help. Reach out to Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains at 612-340-1444 and Blue Ox Heating & Air at 952-208-4570.
