Energy-Efficient Homes

Are you a Florida resident looking to shrink your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills? If so, you've come to the right place!

There are many ways to create an energy-efficient home. Let's look at three ways to make your Florida home a little more sustainable.

1. Check Your Roof | Installing a cool roof will reflect the sun's heat right off of your house. According to the US Department of Energy, "Conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon. Under the same conditions, a reflective roof could stay more than 50°F cooler." In a hot state like Florida, you'd definitely see a drop in AC usage to reach a comfortable temperature of your home.
2. Insulation and Air-Sealing |  Combining techniques such as insulation and air-sealing during your home's construction will help prevent unwanted drafts or that precious cool air from leaking into the outside world, forcing you to crank that AC up higher.  When looking for insulation levels, look for an R-Value. R-Value measures insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
3. Energy Efficient Windows | Having the right windows can save you energy and money. According to the Department of Energy, "Heat gain and heat loss through windows responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use."  When shopping for windows, you can use tools such as the Efficient Windows website to get ratings on energy levels and find what windows best suit your home.

The list of energy-saving tips for your home is almost endless! Follow along with WEDU PBS as we help you uncover tips and tricks to help you live a more sustainable life.

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