How Can I Make My Home More Energy-Efficient With Electrical Upgrades?

With energy prices increasing, most homeowners are looking for ways to get the most out of their energy usage. If turning the lights off or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees isn’t having the impact you want, consider these ways to save energy with home electrical upgrades.

Common Signs of Poor Energy Efficiency in Your Home

If you’re experiencing signs of poor energy efficiency in your home, these indicators may point to something going on with your electrical system:

• Higher energy bills: The most clear sign will be a larger number on your monthly energy bills. When your electrical systems are outdated or damaged, your system will have to work harder, and it could result in a sudden hike in your electric bill. However, the increase may be more subtle — in that case, you can evaluate your energy trends year-over-year to determine if you’re paying more than last year.
• Old appliances: When you look around your home, do you see outdated appliances? Even if those machines still run well, in many cases, they require more energy to operate than newer systems. That’s because changing regulations set by the Department of Energy (DOE) establish minimum energy efficiency ratings for electrical products — for example, the seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) sets minimum standards for air conditioning and heat pump efficiency. 
• Frequent circuit breaker trips: If your circuit breaker frequently trips, your home’s electrical system may be outdated or running less efficiently. It could mean that your current panel isn’t enough to keep up with your home’s energy demands and requires repairs or updates.

If you know something is wrong but aren’t seeing the obvious issues, evaluate your home for these more subtle signs of bad home energy efficiency:

• Warm outlets
• Condensation on the windows
• Melted snow on the roof
• Inconsistent temperature indoors
• Cold walls or drafts in certain areas

5 Upgrades to Improve Energy-Efficiency in the Home

To improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider these five upgrades:

1. New Appliances

Since outdated appliances are a leading cause of poor energy efficiency, it makes sense to look there first when making home energy improvements. A new dishwasher or washer and dryer can have a pretty immediate impact on your home’s energy usage. Think about it — no need to send clothes for a second round in the dryer or wash dishes by hand to clear off food and stains left by the dishwasher.

Newer appliances give you more control over cycle length and water temperature, while improving performance. They can also enhance your home’s value. Before switching out your appliances, make sure to check your home’s wiring to ensure the outlet voltage is sufficient for the new machines and the wires are in good condition.

2. Smart Thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat has many benefits — easy programmability, remote access and alerts, lower energy bills and the ability to track energy usage. If you’re thinking of investing in a smart thermostat, you may have to do a little wiring. Working with wires and electrical components can be dangerous, so it’s often best to leave installation to the professionals.

Furthermore, a common-wire, or C-wire, is essential for many smart thermostats on the market today, but older homes may not have these installed. In this case, talk to a professional electrician to verify your system is compatible with a C-wire installation.

3. HVAC Updates

HVAC systems are another culprit for energy loss, so updating your equipment can make a big difference in your energy usage. A more efficient system can keep your home comfortable year-round while lowering your utility bills. Because HVAC systems involve complex wiring, it’s usually more efficient and safer to hire a licensed HVAC wiring technician. 

4. New Electrical Panel

Installing a new electrical panel is definitely a job for a professional. Installing service wires, conduits and cable connectors requires expert knowledge, as mistakes can have severe consequences, including electrocution and electrical fires.

Newer panels can optimize electrical usage in your home to lower your bills and make your home more efficient. Other benefits of a new electrical panel include improved:

• Safety
• Home value
• Electrical capacity
• Compatibility with modern appliances

5. Solar Panels

Solar panels allow you to generate your own electricity from the power of the sun. They are a significant investment and may not work for all homes, but adding solar panels is probably the most impactful upgrade you can make for home energy efficiency. 

Using solar panels means you aren’t reliant on your area’s power grid, which can be great for places with outdated infrastructure and frequent outages. If your panels produce more energy than you use, you could net even higher savings by selling the excess energy to the power company. 

There are many energy efficiency programs sponsored by the state and federal government that could also provide monetary benefits and tax incentives for installing solar in residential properties. 

DIY-Friendly Home Efficiency Upgrades

Have a hankering to get the toolbox out and do some upgrades yourself? Take a crack at these simple yet impactful do-it-yourself (DIY) updates for your home:

• Lightbulbs: Swapping out your current incandescent or compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) lightbulbs can make big strides in energy efficiency. Some modern lightbulbs have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to adjust the tone and brightness with a smartphone app. 
• Timer or motion sensor light switches: If you have some electrical know-how, you can update your light switches to ones with timers or motion sensors. These updates ensure your lights aren’t using excess energy and turn off when not in use. This may require some wiring, so only undertake this upgrade if you feel comfortable attaching electrical wires.
• Window seals and door weatherstripping: A relatively quick and easy DIY upgrade that can improve your home’s efficiency is to seal your windows with caulk and add weatherstripping to your outside doors. These updates can reduce air gaps and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. 

Schedule Service With Lippolis Electric

A professional electrician can help you implement these energy-saving tips to ensure whole-home efficiency. They’ll conduct a home energy assessment to determine the most impactful upgrades you can make to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home.

Located in Westchester County, New York, Lippolis Electric can make your home more energy-efficient with a host of electrical services. From upgrading your lighting system to a full home electrical renovation, Lippolis Electric has the knowledge and experience to address your electrical concerns.

Contact Lippolis Electric to request a service estimate or schedule service today.