When building a new home, you may have a long wish list of desirable features. From the perfect backyard space to an amazing gourmet kitchen, there are many items which will make your custom house uniquely yours.
Many Sarasota and Longboat Key residents have also decided that they would like to have a green, energy efficient home. Whether building new or moving into a resale property, here are some easy tip to make your place more energy efficient.
Ways to Achieve a More Energy Efficient Home
Here in Southwest Florida, we don’t often have to worry about keeping our homes warm. However, many of the same techniques used up north to keep homes warm and draft-free throughout the winter months can be used here to keep cool air in.
- Maintain Proper Insulation: Be sure that the insulation in your attic is sufficient to keep warm air in the attic from entering the main living area. Check periodically to make sure that there is no water or rodent damage, and that the insulation level is appropriate.
- Check Window Seals: Older windows may not seal properly, causing condensation or allowing for warm air to enter the home. If hot air is intruding into the home, your air conditioning unit will be working overtime to keep your house cool. Install new windows if necessary.
- Switch Out Your Light Bulbs: Although fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) may cost you more money up front, they can last up to 12 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only that, they use less energy on a daily basis, contributing continually to a more energy efficient home.
- Consider Your Appliance Choices: Looking for Energy Star and HE appliances will help your overall energy consumption while running appliances less often will also contribute to the cause. One of the most meaningful ways to save on energy bills is to install a smart thermostat for your air conditioning. These thermostats can be set to raise the temperature by a few degrees when you are not home (as during set work hours) and to automatically cool the house down before you return home.
- Ask About Solar Panels: Although not for everyone, solar panels may be a smart investment for Longboat Key homeowners looking to build a more energy efficient home. Our year-round sunshine affords a great opportunity to harness natural energy and use it to lower your traditional electricity bills.
- Landscape Accordingly: Sunshine streaming through our windows can quickly raise the temperature of the home, and cause the air conditioner to run continually. By planting shade trees and considering tall hedges to block windows which receive direct sunlight, you may be able to significantly affect your air conditioning usage.
- Install Shades and Blinds: Living in South Florida, we love our homes which showcase ample windows, sliding glass doors and skylights. These features keep our homes light and bright and allow us to enjoy the view from anywhere in the house. However, when you are not at home, you can keep the home much cooler overall by closing blinds or room-darkening shades and curtains. Not only will you give your air conditioner a break, but you will prolong the life of rugs and furniture located in sunny rooms.
- Schedule an Energy Audit: Local power companies offer resources and programs designed to audit your current energy usage. They will offer tips and recommendations as to small changes you can make which will make a big difference in achieving an energy effiient home.
If you are looking for an energy efficient home in Longboat Key or Sarasota and are considering a custom builder, call the team at Lindahl Construction. We are here to help you to design, build and move into the home of your dreams.