3 Features of Energy Efficient Homes in Tampa, Florida

By Terry Zelen | March 20, 2022

If you’re planning to build a home in Florida, it’s imperative that you design it with energy efficiency in mind. Case in point, summer in Florida is defined by extreme temperatures and high humidity levels. This makes for a very expensive air conditioning bill if your home is not optimized for energy efficiency.

Plus, it’s difficult and expensive to modify a home that’s already built. It’s far more practical to incorporate an energy-efficient design now, while you’re still building.

So, the real question is, what are the most important features of energy-efficient homes in Tampa, Florida? You’ll find the answers listed in the following guide. Read on to learn more.

1. Thermal Envelope

The term “thermal envelope” refers to every aspect of the home that keeps outside temperatures from affecting the inside. Components of your home’s thermal envelope include:

  • The roof
  • The siding
  • The walls
  • Insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Weatherstripping/weather sealing
  • The location of your home
  • The amount of sunlight allowed in through the windows/skylights (the number/size of windows, the location/angle of windows in relation to the sun)
  • The type of windows (standard windows vs. tinted/energy-efficient windows)

If these elements are poorly conceived, improperly installed, or otherwise deficient, your heating and cooling system must overcompensate. Thus, the best way to reduce energy consumption is to optimize your thermal envelope.

Of all these elements, a cool roof, energy-efficient windows, and proper insulation/ventilation are the most important.

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances

Next, be sure that all appliances installed have the highest energy-efficiency rating, especially your HVAC. Over 50% of the energy consumed by the average household is used for heating and air conditioning.

An ENERGY STAR certified HVAC system and smart thermostat can save you $100 per year in heating and cooling costs. For maximum savings, make sure the system is properly sized/installed and that all ducts are well-sealed/insulated. Better yet, opt for more efficient heating/cooling technology, like heat pumps and ductless mini-splits.

Likewise, all installed appliances should be ENERGY STAR certified. Energy-efficient lighting is also essential for low energy costs.

3. Solar Panels

Lastly, you must get solar panels installed on your property. Solar power is 100% clean energy. And going solar reduces your dependency on communally-sourced electricity.

Plus, you are still eligible to receive a tax rebate for 26% of the cost of solar panel installation. And you should note that this rate is scheduled to drop to 22% in 2023. In 2024, the program expires completely, unless the government decides to extend it.

The point is, you should complete your solar panel installation as soon as possible.

Remember These Features of Energy-Efficient Homes

Don’t forget what you learned here today. These are crucial components to consider when designing energy-efficient homes. Keep this guide bookmarked so you can ask your custom home builders about these features.

Speaking of which, you can send all of your questions directly to us right now. Contact New Legacy Homes today so we can help you with your luxury home construction project.

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