The 10 Easiest Ways a Home Buyer Can Save on Energy Costs in Their New Home
When you’re buying a new home, there’s plenty to consider beyond just square footage and curb appeal. One of the most important long-term considerations is how energy-efficient the home is—and how much it will cost you to heat, cool, and power it throughout the year.
In this article, we’re sharing the 10 easiest ways a homebuyer can save on energy costs, what to look out for during the home tour, real problems other buyers encountered, and some essential inspections, you may want to consider, that can uncover costly issues before you close.
1. Evaluate the Quality of Windows and Doors
Why It Matters:
Windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits of energy loss in a home. Poorly sealed or single-pane windows can let conditioned air escape and outside air in—forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
What to Look For:
Drafts near window frames
Single-pane or older aluminum windows
Fog or condensation between panes (a sign of broken seals)
Doors with visible light coming through the sides
Tip:
Ask your inspector to test the thermal performance of windows and doors. If energy-efficient replacements are needed, that could become a negotiation point with the seller.
2. Inspect Attic Insulation and Ventilation
Why It Matters:
In Florida’s heat, the attic can reach over 130°F. Without proper insulation and ventilation, that heat radiates into the living areas, causing the A/C to run constantly.
What to Look For:
Thin or uneven attic insulation
Lack of ridge or soffit vents
Rusted or disconnected ducts in the attic
Tip:
Insulation upgrades are one of the most cost-effective improvements for long-term energy savings. A poorly ventilated attic also shortens the life of your roof.
3. Assess the HVAC System’s Efficiency and Age
Why It Matters:
Heating and cooling account for about 50% of your total energy bill. An older, inefficient, or oversized HVAC system can significantly increase your monthly costs.
What to Look For:
Units over 10–12 years old
Rust, corrosion, or visible damage
Dirty filters or mold growth
Inconsistent temperature between rooms
Tip:
Have the inspector check to see if the unit is running correctly and determine if a tune-up or replacement may be needed.
4. Check for Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Why It Matters:
LED lighting uses up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. Energy Star appliances also consume less electricity and water.
What to Look For:
Incandescent or CFL bulbs
Old appliances with yellow EnergyGuide labels
Laundry or kitchen appliances older than 8–10 years
Tip:
During the inspection, make note of appliance brands and models and then research their annual energy use and compare them to newer options available.
5. Review the Water Heater’s Condition and Insulation
Why It Matters:
Water heating typically accounts for 15–20% of your energy bill. An outdated or leaking water heater can waste money daily.
What to Look For:
Units over 10 years old
Lack of insulation blanket
Visible rust at the base
No timer or smart thermostat feature
Tip:
Tankless or hybrid water heaters offer major energy savings. In some cases, adding a simple insulation wrap to a tank heater can cut standby heat loss by 25–45%.
6. Look for Smart Thermostats and Zoning Capabilities
Why It Matters:
Programmable and smart thermostats can save 10–15% on heating and cooling costs by learning your patterns and adjusting temperatures automatically.
What to Look For:
Older analog thermostats
Thermostats located in unusual spots (like near windows or vents)
No zoning—only one thermostat for the entire house
Tip:
Smart thermostats can be added after the fact, but having compatible HVAC equipment matters. Be sure to check on compatibility with what you see in the home.
7. Evaluate the Quality of Ductwork
Why It Matters:
Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can lose up to 30% of your cooled air before it even reaches your rooms.
What to Look For:
Ducts with visible gaps or old, sagging insulation
Duct tape "repairs" instead of proper sealing
High dust levels in the home
Tip:
Duct inspections are often overlooked but are critical in Florida homes. Thermal imaging to spot leaks and poor airflow issues can give you insight into the efficiency of the HVAC system.
8. Analyze Exterior Shading and Landscaping
Why It Matters:
Strategic landscaping can reduce solar heat gain by blocking sun exposure on walls, windows, and even the roof.
What to Look For:
Lack of trees or awnings on the south and west sides
Dark-colored roofing or exterior walls
No window tint or reflective film
Tip:
You may want to consider cooling solutions like exterior shutters, low-E window films, or reflective roofing.
9. Examine Water Efficiency Features
Why It Matters:
In Florida, water bills can add up quickly. Low-flow faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems reduce energy and water costs together.
What to Look For:
Toilets older than 1994
Standard shower heads with high flow rates
Sprinkler heads that spray onto driveways or sidewalks
Tip:
Check for leaks, dripping faucets, and signs of past water intrusion, which can affect both energy use and home safety.
10. Solar Power Potential and Existing Installations
Why It Matters:
Solar power has become increasingly affordable in Florida thanks to sunshine-rich weather and utility company incentives.
What to Look For:
Existing solar panels: age, inverter type, and maintenance history
Roof condition (must be in good shape before installing panels)
Southern exposure with minimal tree shading
Tip:
Be sure to evaluate the solar systems already installed or assess the feasibility for future installation. This will giveyou a long-term cost-saving roadmap.
Red Flags You Should Point Out to Your Inspector
While home inspectors are trained to identify a wide range of issues, buyers who are observant during showings can help ensure a more thorough inspection by pointing out specific concerns. Here’s what you should pay attention to:
Hot or cold spots in different rooms
Unusual odors (musty smells may indicate HVAC mold)
Moisture around baseboards or near the water heater
Frequent cycling of the A/C unit during a short visit
Humidity inside the home that feels excessive
If you notice anything strange or inconsistent, let your inspector know in advance, so we can prepare the right tools (like moisture meters or thermal cameras) to do a deeper evaluation.
Some Examples of Problems Other Buyers Have Run Into After Closing
Some buyers discover energy-related issues after moving in—problems that could have been negotiated had the buyer known earlier.
Here are some real-life examples from clients:
First Situation:
One buyer discovered that a sun-facing bonus room was always 10–12 degrees warmer than the rest of the house. The HVAC wasn’t zoned for it, and the single-pane windows lacked insulation. A ductless mini-split system and window upgrades cost them over $7,000.
Second Situation:
Another buyer moved in only to realize their 15-year-old water heater was constantly running. Their energy bills were 40% higher than expected. A $1,800 replacement was needed immediately.
Another Situation:
A seller had installed a smart thermostat just before listing—but it wasn’t connected to Wi-Fi or properly calibrated to the HVAC system. The buyer had to replace the entire control board for compatibility.
There are other inspections, you may want to consider, to help give you a more complete picture of the home. They may also lend themselves in helping you with negotiations for repairs, should that be necessary.
When your inspections are complete you’ll receive a detailed report with:
Photos
Thermal images
Recommendations
You and your Realtor can then use this report as leverage during negotiations and possibly:
Ask for repairs or upgrades
Request a credit at closing
Use findings to justify a lower offer
Sellers are often more willing to negotiate than buyers expect—especially when faced with documentation from a licensed inspection company.
Bottom Line
Energy efficiency isn't just about monthly savings—it's about long-term value, comfort, and environmental responsibility. As a potential homebuyer in Florida, you’re not just purchasing a house, you’re buying into a lifestyle. Making sure that lifestyle is sustainable (and affordable) begins with asking the right questions and investing in the right inspections.
You need a clear, honest view of the home you're buying. From thermal imaging to attic assessments, look beyond the surface of the home so you can move forward with confidence.
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.
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