How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

There are many things we can do in the remodeling process to make your home more energy efficient, reducing your electric bill and possibly even saving you money on taxes, homeowner’s insurance and home maintenance.

Let’s start with the simplest change first. We’ve all heard about the energy savings of LED light bulbs, which are very efficient compared to the old incandescent and florescent lights. The good news is that the upfront cost of LED lighting has come way down compared to when the technology first became available, so now is a good time to switch out light fixtures and bulbs to save energy.

Solar panels are quite common in Southwest Florida, helping homeowners reduce energy costs by heating pools. If you’re adding a pool or new pool heater to enhance your outdoor living space, solar energy could be a great option for you.

Windows and doors have come a long way since many Southwest Florida homes were built, especially those found in the homes of the historic McGregor area of Fort Myers or the residential area surrounding Fifth Avenue South in Naples. The older windows in this renovation-worthy homes don’t insulate the home as well as the windows and doors on the market today, and normal settling of the home damages seems, letting cooled air escape. As a result, the air conditioner runs excessively to maintain a comfortable temperature, affecting your energy bill and shortening the life of your AC unit as well. We can help you calculate the average energy savings to determine if new windows and doors will pay off as part of your older Florida home remodel.

While we’re on the subject of HVAC heating and cooling, if your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old or not keeping you comfortable, consider replacing it with a new, more efficient system. If your system is running all the time, that is not normal and could cost you more than necessary on your energy bill. This is a factor for relatively newer homes, such as those built in the communities of Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples. While it isn’t necessarily time for a full remodel on a newer Bonita Bay home, for example, you might be ready for a kitchen or bathroom update, and you should seriously consider replacing the HVAC systems at the same time.

Appliances have also become more energy efficient over the years, and as part of your kitchen remodel, we can help you select the most energy efficient refrigerator, dishwasher and oven. A new washer and dryer might also be in order. New appliances could go a long way toward making your home more energy efficient.

Insulation is a big consideration in Southwest Florida, where attic and surface temperatures reach the triple digits throughout most of the year. That heat can affect the internal temperature of your home if it’s not properly insulated from it, causing the air conditioner to run more to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. Replacing inferior insulation, especially materials that have badly degraded over time, is a great energy saver.

Along the same lines, insulation goes hand in hand with roofing. A good roof is your first line of defense from exterior heat and cold, and it could also help you qualify for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance. Many companies provide a discount for homes that meet their criteria on a Wind Mitigation Inspection.

In recent years, homeowners have seen tax savings, as well as a reduction in energy costs, for certain energy efficiency investments. Keep good records of your expenditures and talk to your accountant about the potential for tax credits for the purchase of energy efficient appliances, solar panels and more.

Each of these tactics presents some upfront costs that could take time to recoup, but if you’re planning a renovation, remodel or addition, it’s good to know the money you spend on your Southwest Florida home will not only improve your lifestyle; it could also save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. If making your home in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs or Naples more energy efficient is a priority for you, talk to our team at Progressive Builders about incorporating energy efficient products and strategies into your design-build plans.

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By Progressive Design/Build|2021-03-11T09:17:20+00:00April 18th, 2016|Categories: Internal News|0 Comments

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Having moved in, we are delighted with the entire renovation and thrilled by the compliments from many new neighbors on how pleasant, courteous and helpful the various contractors had been at all times. Progressive gets five stars from us. Thanks for a job well done.

Bryan & Ann M., Estero, FL

Progressive has performed three projects for us over three years — (1) an outdoor kitchen in January 2011; (2) Kitchen remodel and wet bar construction in Fall 2012; and (3) outer wall repair/reconstruction in January 2014. All the projects were very well done — we respect Progressive’s professionalism, dependency and integrity, and would highly recommend them to anyone, and have done so. We worked with another contractor on a project during the last three years — there was no comparison regarding — the experience with Progressive was MUCH better. My impression is that Progressive may not be the cheapest service provider, work is performed on schedule and at the highest quality level. I will happily pay a bit more to receive the quality of the service they provide. I trust Mike and will definitely use him again if a need arises.

Tom and Kathy S., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive did a room addition, new outdoor grilling kitchen, some plumbing and painting work. Their attention to detail was impeccable. They stayed on task and on their time line. They are very respectful of the client’s property, and very thorough when planning and preparing for the project. They follow up at each stage of the project to ensure all phases are to the client’s satisfaction.

Dave and Noreen T., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive Design Build did a significant project for us: new kitchen, family room, new ceramic tile throughout the house, moved a wall in a bedroom, new paint in most of our rooms and a total new paint job on the exterior of the house. They covered all the details of the job before we left for the summer. They kept us informed weekly with emails, photos and phone calls when necessary, and finished the job two before we came back in the fall. They did an excellent, outstanding job and the punch list took less than six to complete. I will use them again for our next remodel project. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!

John and Barb F., Bonita Springs, FL

Thank you for all the wonderful things you did to make our job turnout so well. It was such a pleasure to return to our “new home” during the holidays. We weren’t here so you had to make many choices for us. You always did the best thing, not the easiest. The quality of the work was most important to us but the fact that you gave us a time schedule and stuck to it was important. We love everything!

Barbara & Larry W., Bonita Springs, FL

Both Tom and I would highly recommend Progressive Design Build, Inc. for any job. The quality of the workmanship along with on time completion made it an enjoyable experience.

Tom & Mary D., Captiva Island, FL

Progressive completed a major remodeling project for us on time and on budget. Our project included new bedrooms above our garage, expanding existing bedrooms, expanding our lanai with a new outdoor kitchen, a new roof, upgraded landscaping including a new irrigation system – all coordinated and managed by Progressive. The owner, Michael Spreckelmeier, is a man of his word, communicates extremely well, and will always do what is best for the customer.

Duke and Kathleen D., Bonita Springs, FL

We had 2 doors replaced. The project required major changes to the door openings. Michael Spreckelmeier was very easy to work with and he was involved with all phases of the project. The project was completed on time and on budget. We are pleased with the outcome and will use Progressive Design Build in the future.

Jack and Maryanne P., Bonita Springs, FL

I think during negotiations with Mike Spreckelmeier that he was very honest. This gave me a great sense of trust. I felt I was entrusting my home to a friend!

Linda Z., Fort Myers, FL

We have used Progressive Design Build twice in three years, both times on home improvement projects including adding walls on different second homes while we were out of state and unable to observe the work. Both times we returned to the projects that were done to perfection, as well as the clean-up. We are now full time Florida residents and are using Progressive again for a much larger project. We would unequivocally recommend Progressive Design Build.

Arthur and Cindy P., Bonita Springs, FL

Tom and I can’t wait for the “winter season” when we will enjoy the new addition every day! You have been a wonderful team to work with!

Tom & Michale C., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive has performed three projects for us over the last three years. most recently January 2014. All the projects were very well done — I respect Progressive’s professionalism, dependency, and integrity. I would highly recommend them to anyone, and have done so. I worked with another contractor on a project during the last three years — there was no comparison regarding Progressive’s performance and the performance of the other contractor — the experience with Progressive was MUCH better than the other service provider. My impression is that Progressive may not be the cheapest service provider, but work is performed on schedule and at the highest quality level. I will happily pay a bit more to receive the quality of the service they provide. I trust Mike and will definitely use him again if a need arises.

Tom S., Bonita Springs, FL

We were entirely satisfied with everything and everybody. Nice people!

Dr. John A., Fort Myers, FL

We hired Mike Spreckelmeier at Progressive Design Build to remodel our condo in Bonita Bay. We wanted to completely redo the kitchen as well as eliminate the sliders from the kitchen and family room leading to the lanai. Progressive completed the remodel while we were back at home in Illinois. We were thrilled to return to an outstanding result. Not only was all the furniture back in place, but everything was very clean and neat. We even found a new filter in the air-conditioning unit! Outstanding job, would highly recommend Mike and Progressive.

Dick and Judy G., Bonita Springs, FL

Progressive Design Build helped us design and build a new family room/kitchen in the summer of 2013. We selected them after extensive bids based on the quality of their vision for the project and sterling recommendations from friends and neighbors. All work was done while we were away for the summer. We could not be more pleased with the results. Not only did Progressive owner Mike Spreckelmeier do a first-rate job managing the flow and costs of the project (which was exactly on-budget), but also the finished product had the shortest punch list of any of the five major renovations we have done on various properties with other builders during the past two decades. And, our home was cleaner when we returned than when we left before construction. We unconditionally recommend Progressive Design Build.

Roy and Patty B., Bonita Springs, FL

It was such a pleasure working with the team at Progressive Design Build on our recent renovation project in Fort Myers. We especially thank Greg Brown for his special attention to detail and the entire team for their excellent “long distance communication” skills. We were thrilled that we could handle everything from our home in Virginia and that our project was completed not only on time, but ahead of schedule! We would highly recommend Progressive Design Build to everyone!

Geoffrey & Magda G., Fort Myers, FL