3 Easy Steps to Green Living in Tampa ? Tampa Bay Real Estate ...

Green living is a hot topic in real estate these days. Not only can homeowners save a ton of money on their monthly utility costs, but green living also helps to protect the local environment. And, when it comes to selecting reasons to buy real estate in Tampa, natural beauty is at the top of the list.

Plus, investing in green real estate in Tampa can be great for your bank account. If you have lived in Florida through just one summer, you know exactly what that heat index can do to your energy bill. But did you know that heating and cooling costs account for at least 40% of all energy consumed in the United States? It?s true. All that air conditioning ? necessary as it is in the summer months ? has an enormous impact on America?s overall energy costs.

Green homes are built ?tighter,? making them more durable and more comfortable. According to the Tampa ?green? homebuilders at David Weekley homes, a tight house has well constructed frames, fully sealed joints and, most important, air flow that you control. When a home is well ventilated, it can never be too tight.

1. Better Attic Insulation. If you have ever had to climb up into your attic in July or August you know exactly how hot it can get up there. And, when it comes to living green in Tampa, blocking the heats starts at the top. Single sided, foil faced radiant barrier roof decking will block more heat and keep your attic cooler. And a cooler attic can drastically reduce the heat load on your air conditioning system. Plus, if you upgrade to R38 attic insulation, you can block even more heat, keeping it from getting into your living area. And a cooler living space will also make your A/C?s job easier.
2. Upgraded Windows. It?s no secret that much of your climate control ? whether cooling or heating ? can be lost through low-grade windows. Double pane windows with low-E glass might be more expensive, but they can help you save big in the long run.
3. Energy Efficient A/C. Sometimes the culprit in your high utility costs is an outdated or inefficient air conditioner. If your machine is working too hard and producing too little, the electricity needed to keep up with this workload can be substantial. You might not be in the market for a new A/C system right now, but when you are, upgrade to an energy efficient model and you can expect to see your electric bill drop substantially.

If you are interested in relocating to a green home in Tampa, a licensed real estate agent can help you explore your options and, when the time comes, help you negotiate a contract that will offer you the features and amenities you want at the best possible deal.

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Source: http://www.smithandassociates.com/blog/2012/11/3-easy-steps-to-green-living-in-tampa/

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