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4 Ways To Make An Older Home More Efficient

It’s never too late to give your home an energy-efficient upgrade. Eco-friendliness isn’t a fad that will go out of style and so the best time to practice sustainability is now. If you’re eager to get started, we have some of the best suggestions on ways to make an older home more efficient. When it comes time to upgrade your home’s insulation, be sure to reach out to Foam Bear Orlando!

Read more > 5 Reasons to Save Money In the Long Term By Investing In Spray Foam

1. Swap to Energy-Efficient LED Light Bulbs

One of the easiest and most impactful energy upgrades for any old home is the switch to LED lightbulbs. Older traditional light bulbs use more energy and don’t last nearly as long as LED bulbs, and they tend to be much warmer which doesn’t really help during hot Florida summers. LED bulbs give off less heat which can contribute to your air conditioner’s efficiency especially when paired with spray foam insulation that delivers high thermal properties.

2. Update Your Home Appliances to Modern Versions

There are plenty of things around the house that use up energy and spike your electric bill. One of the best things about living in 2024 (and beyond) is that there are plenty of energy-efficient appliances out there that do an excellent job of reducing energy usage in the home. If you live in an older house, there’s a good chance that you’re still using older appliances that were installed before these upgrades existed. You can see a huge difference in your energy usage by swapping to newer appliances with an Energy Star rating and installing spray foam insulation to create a healthy atmosphere for these machines to work as intended.

3. Identify and Close Up Exposed Air Leaks

The older the home, the more dingy it may be. Even houses with old-timey charm may have hidden faults lying underneath the surface, like scraped edges and torn corners that make way for air leaks into the building and welcome drafts that can drive up energy costs. This is the case with many older homes, but the problem can easily be remedied with spray foam insulation which can expand to close up these gaps.

4. Consider Smart Thermostats For Managing HVAC Use

A great solution to managing your HVAC use is investing in a smart thermostat that’s easy to control even when you’re not home. Instead of setting a number and leaving the house for the day, you can micromanage your settings with your smartphone to adjust as needed and save energy. But even if you go with one of the fancier options for a smart thermostat, it still won’t work as you expect it to if you don’t have proper insulation. Spray foam insulation can ensure that your home has the means to maintain any temp you set your thermostat to.

Learn more > Can My HVAC Be Failing Because of Poor Insulation?

Bottom Line: New Insulation Can Enhance These Upgrades

Have you noticed a pattern between all of these home energy upgrades? You need proper insulation for these strategies to promote the best results. Most older homes have batt and roll or cellulose which have a limited lifespan of around 15 years or so. Spray foam, on the other hand, insulates much better than these outdated materials and can last up to 80 years or longer. Between your spray foam options, closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value which means better thermal qualities.

Trust In Your Local Insulation Experts at Foam Bear Orlando!

Looking to retrofit your old home with spray foam insulation? Call Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free estimate on your next service! We carry top-tier spray foam products backed by expert installation for a comfortable home, old or not.