What people keep running into with energy efficiency
Complaints tagged energy efficiency, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
16 recurring problems · 134 people · 9 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 55How to choose between different HVAC replacement quotesHomeowners replacing aging systems face conflicting quotes and unfamiliar equipment brands like Lennox and Bosch. Without knowing how to compare these options or contractor experience, people risk choosing unreliable installers or overpaying for equipment that doesn't fit their needs.
- 12How do I use and maintain an oil heating system?Switching from a familiar electric heat pump to heating oil leaves new homeowners in the dark about how to order fuel, manage tank levels, and set efficient thermostat schedules. Without clear guidance on these basics, adjusting to an unfamiliar heating system becomes an overwhelming guessing game.
- 11Why won't my AC cool the house when it's extremely hot outside?Older air conditioners and heat pumps struggle to overcome extreme outdoor temperatures above 95 degrees, causing them to run continuously without reaching the thermostat setpoint. This constant runtime leaves indoor temperatures several degrees too high, preventing the home from staying comfortable during severe heatwaves.
- 11How to fix gaps under door jambs after new flooringRemoving old flooring or changing plank thickness often leaves exposed gaps and subfloors under door frames that are difficult to make look right without experience. Depending on the size of the gap, homeowners can either fill them using wood filler or Bondo, or glue in custom-carved wood inserts before painting or staining.
- 7How to lower high summer electricity bills from air conditioningAstronomical power bills are driven by inefficient cooling running constantly in small spaces. This stops people on limited budgets from keeping comfortable without facing hundreds of dollars in unexpected utility costs.
- 6Why is my attic apartment so hot in summer and cold in winter?Attic apartments trap extreme heat from the roof while sharing a single HVAC sensor located elsewhere in the house, leaving the top floor sweltering at 80 degrees or freezing at 64. Because the central system cannot properly regulate the space, tenants are left struggling with unmanageable indoor temperatures and direct drafts from blowing vents.
- 5How to choose between roof shingle colorsChoosing a shingle color requires matching specific shades like mission brown or barkwood to your home's unique siding, such as Pacific Blue. Without a clear way to compare them together, homeowners get stuck between conflicting color samples and struggle to visualize the final exterior.
- 4How to stop heat loss through an attic hatch or open carportHeat escapes when there is no physical barrier separating an insulated home from open spaces like a carport. Common fixes like spray foam or relying on gravity to hold an attic door down often fail to create a tight seal. This allows hot air to leak directly into interior closets and leaves extreme cold or hot spots around the access hatch.
- 4Thermostat wiring for separate PTAC cooling and hydronic boiler heatCombining a PTAC for cooling and a hydronic boiler for heat with limited thermostat wires forces you to manually move wires around depending on whether you want the house hot or cold. This wiring constraint prevents automated system control, leaving homeowners stuck juggling adapters or facing high technician fees.
- 4How to pick exterior paint colors that go with brickChoosing exterior paint colors that coordinate with existing brick requires deciding whether to complement the brick or paint over everything else instead. Trying to guess how off-white paint and black trim will look against unpainted brick leads to uncertainty about how to properly match the elements without clashing.
- 3How to stop cold drafts coming through a sliding glass doorPoorly sealed or misaligned sliding doors let in freezing air that turns an entire room into an icebox, leaving noticeable gaps even when the door appears closed. This draft makes it impossible to keep the space warm without blocking off adjoining doorways or constantly fighting with faulty hardware.
- 3Why is my heat pump always running on emergency heat in the winter?Heat pumps frequently switch to expensive auxiliary or emergency heat during cold months, causing winter electricity bills to skyrocket to $600 or even $950. This forces homeowners to keep their thermostats as low as 65 degrees while still dealing with freezing temperatures and unaffordable power costs.
- 3Diminishing returns on attic insulationPeople want to know exactly how high they can stack attic insulation before it stops being effective. This uncertainty over diminishing returns complicates the project, leaving them unsure if they should use spray foam or if they need a vapor barrier under the ceiling drywall.
- 2Which plug-in space heater is actually the most efficient?All standard electric resistance space heaters convert electricity to heat at the exact same efficiency, meaning no single brand or model will produce more heat per watt than another. This prevents people from finding a high-efficiency plug-in option to offset cold air from a heat pump water heater or reduce heating costs.
- 2Should I seal or replace leaky return ducts?Leaky ducts pull in dirty crawlspace air, clogging filters rapidly and causing extreme temperature differences between floors. HVAC contractors often give conflicting advice on whether you can effectively seal these hard-to-reach gaps with pipe wrap to save money, or if a full replacement is necessary.
- 2How to insulate air ducts resting on raftersWrapping the ducts completely requires raising them off the rafters, a task you may be unprepared to do. This makes it difficult to properly address the ductwork, especially around the connections between the main trunk and the flexible duct.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.