Whether it’s a cost-saving technique, a climate-change fighting effort, or a little of both, most of us are interested in making a few home energy efficiency improvements. Florida’s heat means year-round beach weather, but it also means busy air conditioners and high energy consumption.

Here are a few tips for making energy efficient homes in sunny Sarasota:

1. Light Up with LEDs


When considering making a home energy efficient, it’s always best to start simple. As your light bulbs burn out, replace them with energy-efficient bulbs to reduce your power consumption and time spent on maintenance. For every 20 iridescent bulbs, you’ll need just one LED bulb, which means fewer trips to the hardware store.

 

2. Draw the Shades

We might love our Florida weather, but it does cost. On average, Floridians spend about 40 percent more on electricity than our neighbors in other states. Fortunately, there are simple ways to lower your bill. Closing the blinds, curtains, and shades can significantly reduce the heat in your home, and give your AC a bit of a break.

 

3. Seal Cracks

Whether it’s to keep the cold air out or in, doors and windows should be properly sealed and crack-free. Air leaks in and around window and door frames can be sealed with weather stripping or caulking. This is another quick way to reduce costs and making your home a little greener.

 

4. Replace Your Windows

This is one of the most cost-effective home energy efficiency improvements because you only have to do it every couple of decades. Replace old single-pane windows with new, double-pane glass for significantly improved energy consumption. To make your home even more efficient, consider a solar shade, a semi-transparent window treatment that blocks the sun’s rays.

 

5. Install a Ceiling Fan



A ceiling fan is a great way to keep cool while reducing your air conditioning consumption. A ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. A few degrees might not seem like much, but do this every day for a year and it adds up.

 

6. Use a Remote Thermostat

Another electricity bill-lowering improvement is a thermostat you can control with your smartphone. Increase your home temperature while you’re away for the weekend to give your air conditioner a break, and decrease it on your way back home on Sunday afternoon. Many of these thermostats also have a feature that can sense whether you are home or not, and adjust the temperature accordingly.

 

7. Unplug Your Phone

Not forever, just overnight. A phone takes a couple of hours to charge, and most of us leave it plugged in for eight while we sleep. Instead, charge it at night before bed and again in the morning while you get ready for work. While this one doesn’t fall under the home improvements category, it’s worth mentioning because it’s an easy fix with no associated cost.

 

8. Insulate

This might set you back in the short-run, but it will save you money long-term. Insulating an attic, exterior walls, or another part of home your home where the temperature seems unregulated will help keep the warm air out during the hot summer, and the cool evening air out in the winter.

 

9. Use the Sun

Solar panels have a reputation for being a big-ticket home improvement – and not without reason. But the cost-saving benefits are numerous. Using solar energy in your home will lower your electricity bills from day one, and may qualify you for tax rebates. Plus, you’d be joining the growing movement fighting to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

 

10. Get an Energy Efficiency Audit

Keen to go green but not sure where to start? Hire a professional to help you determine the potential energy efficiency of your home. These auditors will inspect your home from top to bottom to determine the most cost-effective home improvement solutions to make your home more efficient.

Of course, property types and budgets vary greatly, so it’s important to consider which of these strategies work for you. If you’re looking for a home that’s optimized for energy efficiency, I can help you consider your options. Sarasota real estate market offers condos, single-family homes, and luxurious waterfront properties, with a variety of amenities and features.