4 Easy Ways You Can Energy Proof Your Home in Tampa Bay

Published: September 01, 2022

If you’re moving to a new home, you might wonder if it’s worth financing energy-efficient improvements. However, there are simple and low-cost ways to achieve your energy reduction goals. For example:

Ensure the walls and attic are well-insulated

Well-insulated houses are typically more pleasant to live in. Because they are more comfortable, insulated houses use less heating and cooling energy. To fill the empty framed cavity, cellulose blown into the frame or loose-fill foam sprayed between roof joists (also known as open-cell spray foam) may be used. It is easy to insulate your home’s walls whether you hire someone to blow cellulose into the vacant frame area or have a plumber install it for you.

Consider adding rigid foam insulation to the outside walls and/or rafters or joists if you like manual labor. To minimize chemical exposure and enhance your health and the environment, use low-VOC or non-toxic insulating materials.

Add weatherstripping to your doors and windows

By weatherstripping the gaps around your doors and windows, you’ll not only save money on energy bills in the future but also prevent your heating and cooling equipment from working too hard. To put it another way, it minimizes wasted energy. You may avoid these leaks by door-and-window-gapping (weatherstripping) regularly.

You may also want to consider installing Low-E window film or adding storm windows to your home’s windows to improve their energy efficiency.

Make use of passive solar design features

Some basic and inexpensive passive solar design solutions are installing south-facing windows to fill the space with light during winter or adding overhangs to block the sun in summer.

During the day, you may utilize your windows and skylight to provide natural light while providing serenity and quietness at night. These might assist you in saving money on utility expenses by lowering the amount of artificial lighting and cooling/heating systems utilized, making your home more pleasant all year long.

Install a programmable thermostat

You can also lower your home’s temperature at specific periods of the day or week with a programmable thermostat. While you’re away from home or sleeping, reduce the temperature and raise it as soon as you wake up or return home.

This way, you’re not paying to heat or cool an empty house, yet your home will be comfortable and energy-efficient when you return.

Adding some insulation and weatherstripping is a great way to make your new home look nicer and function better. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it’s a cheap and simple solution that anyone can do. You can also use passive solar design features and programmable thermostats to further increase energy efficiency.

For more tips on moving and storing your belongings, make sure to check out the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Tampa Bay blog!