Energy Efficiency Tips for Fall: How a Home Inspection Can Save You Money This Winter
In Florida, fall and winter don’t bring snowstorms or frigid temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the need to adjust for cooler weather! Even in milder climates, fall is an excellent time to focus on energy-saving improvements that will keep your home comfortable and your utility bills low all season. A home inspection can help you identify areas where your Florida home may be losing energy—and money. With a few strategic upgrades and adjustments, you’ll be ready to handle the cooler months without a spike in costs.
Here are some fall-friendly, energy-saving home inspection tips tailored for Florida homeowners:
1. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors
What We Check: We’ll look for gaps, worn seals, and drafty spots around windows and exterior doors. A quick test with thermal imaging can reveal cold spots, even ones that aren’t immediately noticeable.
Energy-Saving Tip: Caulk around windows and apply new weatherstripping to doors. You can also add draft stoppers or door sweeps to keep out unwanted cold air. These simple fixes can significantly reduce drafts and lower your heating costs.
2. Inspect Insulation Levels
Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm without running your heater constantly. During the fall, it’s a good time to check whether your attic, walls, and crawl spaces have adequate insulation.
What We Check: We’ll inspect the insulation in your attic and other key areas and check for signs of moisture or damage, which can reduce the effectiveness of insulation.
Energy-Saving Tip: If your insulation is lacking, adding more insulation—especially in the attic—can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Insulating your attic can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
3. Examine the HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable during the winter months. A thorough inspection of your HVAC system can help you avoid costly breakdowns and ensure it’s running efficiently.
What We Check: During a home inspection, we’ll examine your HVAC system, looking for dirty filters, inefficient settings, or signs of wear and tear. We’ll also inspect the ductwork for leaks, which can cause warm air to escape before it even reaches your living spaces.
Energy-Saving Tip: Replace your HVAC filter regularly—typically every 1-3 months—to keep the system running efficiently. Sealing ductwork can improve your system’s efficiency by up to 20%, reducing energy consumption.
4. Check the Condition of Your Windows
Older or single-pane windows are often a major source of heat loss, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. While replacing windows can be a more significant investment, it pays off in energy savings.
What We Check: We’ll assess the condition of your windows, including the seals and panes. If windows are cracked, broken, or inefficient, they could be contributing to significant heat loss.
Energy-Saving Tip: If new windows aren’t in the budget this year, consider adding storm windows or window insulation kits as a temporary solution. These can help reduce heat loss.
5. Evaluate Water Heater Efficiency
Water heaters are another big energy user during the cooler months. As you rely more on hot showers and baths to stay warm, it’s important to ensure your water heater is running efficiently.
What We Check: We’ll inspect your water heater for leaks. Older water heaters may have inadequate insulation and be less efficient. This will drive up your energy costs.
Energy-Saving Tip: Lowering the water heater temperature to 120°F (rather than the default 140°F) can save energy without sacrificing comfort. If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, such as a tankless or solar water heater, to save on heating costs.
6. Assess Roofing and Attic Ventilation
Your roof plays a major role in keeping heat inside your home during the winter. If the roof or attic ventilation is compromised, it can lead to higher heating costs or moisture buildup.
What We Check: We’ll inspect your roof for missing shingles, leaks, or signs of damage. Proper attic ventilation is also key to preventing heat buildup and moisture, so we’ll assess whether your attic is ventilated correctly.
Energy-Saving Tip: Repairing any roofing issues and ensuring proper attic ventilation helps maintain consistent temperatures in your home, improving energy efficiency and reducing the likelihood of moisture-related issues down the line.
7. Test for Air Leaks in Uncommon Areas
While windows and doors are obvious culprits for air leaks, there are plenty of other areas in the home where warm air can escape. These often-overlooked spots include your attic access, electrical outlets, and even light fixtures.
What We Check: Using thermal imaging or other tools to identify cold spots can help you find other areas where additional insulation may be needed.
Energy-Saving Tip: You can seal gaps around electrical outlets with foam gaskets, insulate your attic access door, and add caulking or insulation to any light fixtures or openings that allow air to escape.
The Bottom Line
Getting a home inspection this fall is one of the smartest ways to prepare your home for winter. By identifying and fixing areas of energy loss, you’ll keep your home warm, reduce your heating costs, and enjoy greater peace of mind during the cooler months.
We’re Here To Help
Feel free to call us if you have questions at 407-319-4608. You may also schedule your inspection or find additional information on our website.