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home improvement tips for tampa homeowners

10 Unusual Home Improvement Tips to Save Energy in Tampa

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home improvement tips for tampa homeowners

Looking for ways to reduce your utility bill? Check out some of our favorite home improvement tips to improve the energy efficiency in your home.

1. Select energy-efficient doors.

Hollow metal doors are a popular option because they’re more affordable than traditional wooden doors. The problem is that air can flow right through them. Select a door with a higher R-value, and don’t forget to add some weatherstripping to prevent air leaks.

2. Install storm windows.

Don’t have it in your budget to replace your old windows? Storm windows are an affordable option that can insulate your home against outside airflow. There’s a wide variety of options out there; all you need to do is select the right ones for your home and budget.

3. Reorganize your living space.

Home improvement doesn’t always mean undertaking large projects. Add a little feng shui to your home by moving the furniture and decorations. First things first, make sure that all of your vents are clear of obstruction. Blocking vents not only decreases your system’s efficiency but also may pose a fire hazard.

4. Replace your grill in the fall.

Did you know that limiting your use of your oven and stove can make a big difference on your energy bills? Try smaller appliances like a toaster oven and microwave when possible. Taking your cooking outdoors is even better to keep cooling costs down in the summer. Need a new grill? Wait until fall for most models to go on sale. You’ll save a bundle, and it will finally be cool enough outside to practice your barbecuing skills.

5. Add ceiling fans throughout your home.

Even if you have a central AC unit, one of our favorite home improvement tips to save energy is adding ceiling fans to your home. Ceiling fans help circulate warm air and cool air in the summer. All you need to do is flip a switch; fans should run:

  • Counterclockwise in the winter.
  • Clockwise in the summer.

6. Install spray foam insulation.

Would you be surprised to know that half of American homes aren’t insulated properly? Spray foam insulation is ideal for Tampa homes because it not only keeps heating and cooling costs down but also helps soundproof and prevents mold. Why is spray foam better than fiberglass or cellulose insulation? For one thing, it has a much tighter seal than traditional forms of insulation. No gaps in your insulation can keep your home sealed tightly and may even prevent water damage in your attic.

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7. Get your HVAC system tuned up.

Just like how you go to the doctor’s every year, your HVAC system needs to see a professional. Health checks like these typically cost about $100, but that’s only a drop in the bucket when you realize how much you will save by making your unit more energy-efficient. Technicians will clean your HVAC ducts as well as seal any leaks in the ductwork. Not only will you save energy, but your family will be breathing cleaner air.

8. Dim the lights.

Set the mood and save energy by installing light dimmers in your home. Dim lights use about 98% less energy and can save you up to $30 per year on your energy bill.

9. Invest in some energy-efficient landscaping.

Improving your home’s curb appeal not only increases its value, but also its energy efficiency. Planting trees around your home will provide much-needed shade during Tampa’s hot summers.

10. Paint your walls light colors.

Not only will your home look fresh and clean, but light will reflect off of your walls, keeping your home cooler. Have you ever noticed that the majority of cars in the Tampa area are either white or silver? It’s to keep cars cooler in the blazing sun.

One study found that Florida homeowners saved an average of 23% on cooling costs because they increased their home’s heat reflectivity.

Not sure where to begin with your home? Contact Wattson Home Solutions today to learn more ways to save energy around your home.