850.432.0865 
The secrets out: many home improvement options are not only great aesthetic upgrades, but they make for great investments as well. Besides potentially adding value to your home, these upgrades can save you money on your monthly energy bills, and make your home a little more eco-friendly in the process.
Go with the Low Flow
Sink faucets, shower heads and toilets that use less water per minute can cut your water consumption by as much as half. They are easy to install and very affordable, and depending on your useage, may save you more than $100 a year on your water bill.
To put it on a bigger scale, a water audit performed by The Veterans Affairs Hospital in Portland, Oregon found that adding low-flow fixtures saved them more than $50,000 a year.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. They save energy and money. By having your thermostat turn down automatically for the 8+ hours you’re gone for work, you can save as much as 15 percent on your annual energy bill.
Weather Stripping
The amount of money you can save by simply installing some weather stripping on doors and windows goes a little overlooked. One spot that may be a significant air leak source is the door to your garage, which is often not sealed as well as the front door. According to Energy Star, air leaks account for as much as 40 percent of heating and cooling loss.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a common occurrence in Florida homes, but if you have rooms that don’t have one yet, you might be missing out on an energy savings opportunity. That doesn’t mean you have to turn off the air conditioner when using them. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by 4°F, and still retain the same level of comfort.
Upgrade Your Windows
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of our favorite home energy savers… energy-efficient window replacement. When properly installed, energy-efficient windows help minimize heating and cooling costs.
But what you may not realize is that new windows might be able to lower your lighting costs as well. By choosing windows with a high visible transmittance (VT), you can maximize natural indoor light and lessen the need for electrical lighting.
Energy-efficient windows don’t just remove air leaks, the high performance low-E glass can retain maximum light while minimizing the solar heat transfer into your home.
If you are considering new windows, give us a call at (850) 432-0865 and we’ll be happy to help you through the process. Or if you’d like, you can ask your question through our contact form.
