Going green has become more common over the last few years, and for good reason. Having a home that is energy efficient is important for a number of reasons. Taking care of the environment is becoming a huge part of today’s society, and an energy efficient home is just one way to contribute. The savings you will see with an energy efficient home also makes a Tampa home inspection worthwhile. Consult with your Tampa home inspection report to see which areas you can improve upon to become more energy efficient.
Insulation
This is probably the biggest area you and your Tampa home inspection can check for energy efficiency. Without proper insulation, your home will be warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. Insulation helps maintain the temperature in your home; this way, your air conditioning and heating don’t have to run as often or as hard.
Weather Stripping
Much like insulation, weather stripping around doors and windows is used to keep cool air in and warm air out. Your inspector can check to see if this needs to be replaced around windows or doors. Properly functioning weather stripping can save you money on your electric bill.
Windows
This is one of the costlier upgrades to make your home energy efficient, but in Florida, double pane windows can be great for efficiency. If your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, consider a window with some kind of tint to keep your home cooler. Then less sun getting in means the less your AC unit is running, which saves you money. Ask your inspector to check your windows at your Tampa home inspection to be sure.
There are some upgrades to your home that can help you see more savings in electric bills, but the return on your investment may not be immediate. If energy efficiency is important to you, work with your home inspector to see ways your home can improve.