Every Earth Day, we are reminded how we can become better stewards of our planet. Once April 22 passes, we shouldn’t ignore our everyday impact on the environment. We should always try our best to be conscious of our carbon footprint, and the first place we can look to adapt is our home’s efficiency. Beyond simple tasks like purchasing ENERGY STAR® appliances and composting food waste, there are larger house projects you can undertake that can decrease your impact (and your electricity bill!). 

Conduct an energy audit.

Beyond investing in energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, a home energy audit can provide more sophisticated recommendations to decrease your home’s energy consumption. Assessments go into great detail to determine accurate findings of energy use. They can show you which rooms are using the most energy, and provide options to address problem areas. The audit normally includes a blower door test, a thermographic scan and air filtration measurements. While it is possible to conduct one yourself, you can find certified energy raters in your local area through the Residential Energy Services Network. 

Eliminate air leaks.

Air leaks are a major contributor to energy waste and can be found in a thorough energy audit. However, if a home energy assessment is too tasking for you, a simple survey to detect areas where inside air can leak will do the trick. Air leaks can cause hot air to enter your home in the summer and cold drafts to enter in the winter. Find trouble areas such as cracks and large openings that allow air drafts, and caulk, seal or weatherstrip those spots.

Your attic could also be a major problem area for air leaks, as they’re built outside the home’s building envelope and are vented to the outside. Air can travel from the attic and into rooms of your house through holes from light fixtures in your ceiling. While you can seal those trouble spots, it’s important to address the source by adding insulation and sealing every gap in your attic. This can be a daunting project, and there’s no shame in hiring a professional to do it. It will be worth the investment in the long run!

Install solar panels.

Solar energy has almost become a norm in Florida, and the good news is that costs for solar panels and installation have dropped around 70% in the past decade. If connected to your utility system’s grid, solar panel systems can offset energy from your local utility source, thus reducing the cost of your home’s electricity bill. Several states also offer solar tax credit to incentivize homeowners to invest in solar panel systems. Bonus: Solar panels can increase the value of your property, as they can be added to your total appraisal value.

Updating your home to make it more energy efficient has its benefits. Enhancements will not only save money on your monthly electricity bill, they will also improve your property’s value and entice future buyers. If you have any questions, or live in Sarasota and would like to talk about maximizing your home’s efficiency, give me a call at 941-225-1500.