When purchasing a home, most people consider the location, architectural style, number of rooms, property layout, and other such aspects. In addition to physical factors, it’s equally important to pay attention to energy efficiency. An inefficient home is not only bad for the environment but will also cost you in the long run.
Wondering how sustainable your home is? We’re sharing various signs that point towards an energy inefficient home in this post. Take a look.
Alarming Signs that show Home Lacks Energy Efficiency
High Energy Bills
Have you noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills? A noticeable change in your energy costs is likely signalling an increased electricity consumption. From defective ductwork to malfunctioning HVAC, there are plenty of reasons for an unexpected surge in your energy bills.
On the other hand, higher energy rates can also escalate your bills. If that’s the case, you should compare electricity prices and switch to a competitively priced plan.
Water and Moisture
Water or moisture in places where it shouldn’t be is a warning sign you cannot afford to ignore. From mist on your windows to damp walls, look out for any moisture build up in your home. This could be because of inefficient appliances or a leak in one of your systems. It would be best to hire an expert to identify the source and fix it.
Mould Infestation
Undetected seepage and leaks often lead to mould infestation. But what if mould and mildew aren’t visible? Well, runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, sneezing and sore throat are common symptoms of mould exposure. In case you are facing any of these symptoms without a reasonable explanation, consider hiring a professional mould inspector.
Poor Heating or Cooling
Are some rooms in your home colder than others? Uneven heating or cooling is not only uncomfortable but also puts pressure on your HVAC system. Moreover, this can also lead to energy loss. In addition to inspecting your HVAC unit, we also suggest looking at your home’s insulation.
Strange Noises
Does your HVAC system make strange noises every time you turn it on? These noises indicate that your system is not working properly. This drop in performance may be due to clogged up air filters, condenser issues, refrigerant leaks and so on.
Try cleaning or changing the filter. If that doesn’t help, you should contact a technician.
Cracked Weatherstripping
Is the weatherstripping around your doors or windows cracking or peeling? Defective weatherstripping can lead to unnecessary energy loss.
Burning Odour
When you turn the heat on, a slight burning odour is not out of the ordinary; however, a potent electric burning smell could be pointing to a potentially dangerous issue that needs your immediate attention.
Faulty Appliances
Outdated appliances tend to consume more energy than required. If your appliances are more than a decade old, you should think about replacing them with energy-efficient appliances.
Light Dimming
If your lights dim as soon as you turn on your HVAC system, don’t ignore this issue. This typically happens when your electrical system is under excessive stress. We recommend getting in touch with a qualified technician to inspect and repair your system.
Inefficient Lighting Fixtures
Did your home come with incandescent lights that you never bothered to change? Though replacing all the lighting fixtures may be costly, it’s a worthwhile expense in the long run. Switching to LED lights will enhance your home’s energy efficiency and allow greater energy savings.
The Bottom Line
If you have noticed any of the aforementioned signs, it’s time to make some much-needed home improvements; however, if your home requires excessive repairs and upgrades, moving to a new place may be an economical alternative.
