Open floor plans are one of the most popular “must-haves” for those looking to buy or build a new home. Gone are the days of walls dividing us – today’s homeowner wants to socialize, entertain, and be accessible to their friends and family.
Kitchens are open visually to other living spaces, and living and dining rooms have given way to “great rooms” with soaring ceilings.
The feeling of open, airy spaces is especially popular in communities like Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Sarasota, where year-round sunshine comes pouring through windows and sliders.
But what impact, if any, do these open floor plans have on your energy efficiency? We are here to find out. 
How Open Floor Plans Can Save You Money
We know what you are thinking – you know open floor plans are beautiful and create a sense of space, but how can they be more energy efficient and save you money?
- The air moves freely throughout the space. Your air circulation is maximized when open floor plans are utilized. This means that any heating, cooling, or even fresh air from a gulf breeze can permeate your home more easily. Whether you are trying to keep the place cool in July, or you are hoping to take away the chill on a January evening – your air conditioner, ceiling fans or fireplace are far more efficient.
- The sunlight fills the room. Even during the day, if a room doesn’t have a door or window facing the sunlight, rooms can appear dark. Open floor plans allow the sunlight to flood several rooms at once. Skylights are an excellent addition which take advantage of our consistent sunlight and minimize the use for electric lights much of the day. During the evening, one large light fixture can light up the entire space, again allowing for less energy usage and more saved money.
- You need less square footage. Walls create boxes which separate daily functions and necessitate more rooms. When your desk can sit in the corner of your great room, or your guests can cozy up to the kitchen island rather than formal dining room table, you negate the need for excessive square footage. Virtually every homeowner has that room that no one uses, but they thought they needed. Plus, open floor plans are easier to clean and keep organized – and who wouldn’t love that?
The only real possible downside to open floor plans as they relate to energy efficiency could be related to upper living spaces, such as lofts. Because heat rises, these upper rooms may get toastier than other spaces, necessitating some additional cooling. But by working with a professional home builder, you can discuss ways to tackle this problem at the outset. For instance, you could position the loft space so that windows do not receive sun in the afternoon (which is the most intense time for sunlight) and instead are on the shady north side of the home.
From ceiling fans to air conditioner returns, there are many ways to alleviate the heat issues without giving up your airy sense of space.
Many home buyers find themselves brainstorming about removing walls in older homes in order to “open up the space”. If you are looking to renovate a home to create more free flowing space to be more energy efficient – or if you are looking to for new home construction which incorporates these beautiful open floor plans – call the Sarasota contractors at Lindahl Construction. We have been building dream homes in Longboat Key (Sarasota) for decades, and look forward to bringing your vision to life.