[kcplate]

> Maybe the conclusion should be that people shouldn’t live in Florida because it just takes too much resources.

For what it’s worth, I am in Florida and I use very little energy to make my house (2200sqft) comfortable between mid-October and May. I have a highly energy efficient home and between May and October my energy bill runs less than $150. My inside temp rarely goes above 75 degrees. My AC rarely runs at all between 8am and 4pm and then sporadically in the afternoon, but will run a bit a night to essentially “charge the house”.

[hermitcrab]

So was your home designed specifically for energy efficiency? What energy effeciency features does it have? Do you have issues with condensation from the high humidity?

[kcplate]

Yes, it was specifically built to achieve the energy star rating. High efficiency windows, hvac/fresh air system, hybrid water heater, higher r-value insulation, well sealed, etc…. We also opted for tile throughout the whole house which seems to feel cooler on my bare feet and allows me to set the thermostat during the day high enough that our AC generally doesn’t run until later in the day.

Condensation and indoor humidity is a non issue, the AC does a good job keeping things nice and dry.

I have friends with similarly sized (older) homes whose electric bills run about 2-2.5x ours.

[hermitcrab]

Cool (in every sense of the word!). I suppose there is zero chance of that being mandated for new homes in Florida?

[kcplate]

I think the market is demanding it. Most new home builders are touting their energy efficiency.