Energy-Efficient Homes
Nearly 200 countries around the world celebrate Earth Day with events focused on climate and environmental literacy. It’s wonderful to set aside a day to celebrate the protection of our planet, but it’s even better to live every day in an energy-efficient home. Here are some quick tips for Tampa area homeowners to save energy in your home.
System Upgrades: Our real estate team has talked in the past about simple things you can do to conserve energy while adding value to your home. For example, we’ve recommend investing in energy-efficient washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. One of the best home upgrades is an investment into energy-efficient heating and air conditioning (HVAC). In addition to potential tax write-offs on certain products meeting government standards, you could use less electricity with a newer, energy-efficient system.
Insulation Improvements: In addition to upgrading A/C units and appliances, savvy homeowners can create an airtight barrier in their homes through updated ductwork, insulation, roofs, and windows. Quality insulation reduces indoor/outdoor air-loss and provides significant cost-savings in utility bills for Tampa area homeowners.
Energy Conservation: You can also make small lifestyle changes for major savings, such as minimizing energy waste with lighting and electronics. These words echo back to childhood when your parents insisted you shut off the lights or turn the TV off when leaving the room. As an adult, you can take energy conservation a step further by unplugging electronics not in use and incorporating more natural light into your home. To decrease your dependency on lightbulbs and electricity, consider installing skylights or arranging furniture to optimize sunlight.
Solar Panels: Regarding sunshine, we couldn’t discuss this topic without bringing up solar energy. Many residents of our Sunshine State have opted for a solar system, which includes roof-top solar panels to help generate electricity in a home. In addition to drastically cutting your electric bills, the clean-energy use of solar panels can help greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
Design Modifications: If you are considering building a new home or investing in a complete remodel to modify your home design, there is a wide array of energy-efficient building and construction options. There’s a lot you can do to build a “green” home from the ground up — from materials with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, to recycled supplies, to scientifically proven room-dimensions and ratios to increase efficiency through smart design. You could even strategically plant trees in certain proximities from your home so that they grow into a natural canopy shielding your home from excess heat and pollutants.
If you are a Tampa area homeowner looking for additional energy solutions, visit Tampa Electric’s web page offering tips and rebates: http://www.tampaelectric.com/residential/saveenergy/.
As full-service real estate professionals, we enjoy helping home sellers and home buyers in all matters of the home. Call Dick and Karla Nielsen today at 813-294-5786 for helpful information and real estate advice for selling, buying, and investing in properties throughout Florida.
