4 Tips to Take Control of Home Energy Costs
-4 Tips to Take Control of Home Energy Costs-
In a world of rising fuel costs, increasing interest rates, and wholesale inflation, homeowners are searching for ways to save money. Reducing home energy costs is a smart place to start.
In the Tampa Bay area, many local homeowners are noticing upward trends in electricity costs. Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), for example, increased base rates for 2022. Costs vary from home to home, but even slight monthly increases in the $10 to $20 price-range can put a major dent in a homeowner’s budget.
Whether you are looking to save money in your current home, or you are calculating a budget for a new home in the future, consider these ideas to control energy costs.
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Celebrate Earth Day in a Green Way.
Annually, Earth Day is held on April 22 to celebrate and encourage the protection of Earth’s resources. A few simple ways to live an eco-friendly home life include recycling, shutting off unnecessary lights, and unplugging electronics that are not in use. This year, consider celebrating Earth Day (while simultaneously adding curb appeal) by planting trees, palms, bushes, and plants. Landscaping in certain areas or near windows can create a natural canopy to shield your home from the hot Florida sun, thus, reducing your cooling costs.
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Reduce Energy while Boosting Home Value.
Also, energy-saving upgrades could help increase your home’s value. Choose washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances rated energy-efficient according to government standards. For bigger savings, a highly efficient HVAC system can help control your heating and air costs, which make up nearly half of all electricity costs. Of course, new windows, updated doors, sealants, and insulation installations are other airtight ways to prevent energy waste.
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Real Estate Trends for Sustainability.
Today, sustainability initiatives in real estate may include recyclable building materials and structural efficiency to reduce greenhouse gases. In sunny Florida, rooftop solar panels and solar-energy systems are a great option to help generate electricity in a home. You may also decrease your dependency on lightbulbs and electricity by installing skylights.
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Tap the Resources of Your Electric Company.
Finally, don’t forget to utilize the information and resources provided by your utility company for cutting energy costs. Tampa Bay’s utility websites offer great tips for homeowners. You can find opportunities for reducing the energy you use as well as cash rebates for certain home updates. Let us know if you would like referrals for local experts to help with updating your home, moving to a new home, or other home-related projects in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen at 813-294-5786 for helpful information and real estate advice for selling, buying, and investing in properties throughout Florida.
