12 Ways to Make an Old Home More Energy Efficient

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This clause is part ofOld House Appreciation with Bob Vila , a calendar month - long series dedicated to showing you the better places to regain historic homes , pro and convict of investing in an older house , possible repairs and precautions , and our favorite examples in a mixture of house styles to keep you inspire along the way . We ’ve included current market trend mixed with Bob ’s assay - and - true advice , our vetted shopping guide , and the behind - the - scenes tips you need to make your old house a home .

previous homes are attractive for their charm , computer architecture , and historic value . They ’re also known to be less vigor efficient than contemporary mannikin . house physician of older plate may be concerned that ascent could give the particular characteristics that attracted them to the family in the first place . However , there are several ways to upgrade an older home to make it more energy effective without compromise its quality . Not only will you save energy by making these change , but your utility bills will also be lower .

energy efficient old house person holding energy audit screen

Photo: istockphoto.com

If you ’re not sure where to begin , regard doing anenergy auditof the place to assess how much push it currently use and how much you could spare through the unsubdivided change highlighted below .

1. Upgrade the HVAC system.

When advance an older home base , take up with the all - important HVAC organization that typically accounts for at least one-half of the utility posting . see for a clogged filter and other issues that could reduce flow of air , causing the system of rules to operate hard . It may be necessary to take a professional for a thorough inspection .

If it ’s time to replace the unit , seem for one that does n’t make you choose between quilt and the historical appealingness of the home . luckily , there are nowhigh - speed mini - duct HVAC systemsthat allow cool off and heating elements to blend into interior design . By opting for this more compact system , you wo n’t just take the dwelling house up to particular date , but you ’ll also be saving energy .

2. Seal the attic and add insulation.

Make it a antecedence to condition the loft for heating system loss . Older base , specially those build prior to 1980 , may not have enough insulation . Adding sufficient insulationand sealing up drafts in the attic can help uphold warm air to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the home . Without it , the heating system will have to work hard , which will only increase costs . Sealing line leak and adding insulation in the attic will boost energy efficiency and cansave up to 10 percent on one-year Energy Department bills . you’re able to hire a professional or add the insulation yourself . Be certain that the insulation is about five inch mysterious , and require about the optimum R - time value for insulation in your field .

3. Address drafty doors and windows.

Drafty doors and windowpane can really put a damper on an old home , but sealing melodic phrase making water or installing raw door and window can make a enormous difference . melodic line outflow , typically cause by cracks or golf hole around windows and doors , allow for a way for warm line to escape outside . This conduce to inefficiency and high heating plant bill . seal leaks around door and windows with caulk , weatherstripping , or putty cansave you an estimated 20 percent on heating plant and chill price , according to Energy Star . Also , debate replacing older doors and windows with unexampled I if there are detectable gap causing air escape , visible terms or decompose on the flesh , condensation between panes , or if they no longer capable and shut easily . Vintage lookalikes can help you keep your domicile ’s aesthetic .

4. Swap out old lights for LEDs.

One of the uncomplicated steps to improve free energy efficiency is to trade out sure-enough - style incandescent light electric-light bulb forlight emitting diodes(LEDs ) . Not only are LEDs more efficient by using about 90 percentage less DOE than old bulbs , but they last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs . They are particularly versatile and energy efficient because they produce “ directive ” light , which think they emit light in a specific direction as opposed to other types of calorie-free bulbs . All of these benefits can also lead to cost savings .

5. Purchase Energy Star appliances.

Replacing exist gizmo with more get-up-and-go - efficient ones label with anEnergy Starrating can make an older home more sustainable . The Energy Star program lie of a phone number of appliance categories to choose from , such as induction cooktops and stoves , clothes automatic washer and dryers , dish washer , air purifier , dehumidifiers , freezers , and refrigerator . The energy savings can really add up when using a more effective poser . For example , heat pump dryers use about 30 percentage less vigor than conventional ones .

6. Update the electrical system.

Something many people miss when update a theatre for zip efficiency is the electrical organisation , a core component of any home . Older homes tend to haverun - down electric systemsthat ca n’t function properly with modern contrivance and get-up-and-go usage . Unfortunately , an outdated system can increase the risk for grave fires and electric underdrawers . It ’s a secure idea , therefore , to exchange the electrical panel/ circuit breaker loge for both safety and sustainability intellect .

7. Change to a metal roof.

Although it could change the feeling and feel of an erstwhile menage , thebenefits of a metallic element roofas far as durability and free energy efficiency are deserving evaluating . While traditional shake roofs last about 20 years , alloy ceiling can last two to three time as long .

What makes metallic element roofs more effective ? They ’re attached with a batten / counter - batten system that allow airflow underneath , resulting in a significant step-down in red-hot melody flow and therefore a reduction in cooling cost . They also retain less heat in the summer when solar ruminative coating is applied . It ’s easy to install rooftop solar on metal roofs , and they ’re 100 per centum recyclable .

8. Install rooftop solar.

There is nothing more intriguing than combining a home ’s sure-enough - fashioned charm with modern - day , sustainable engineering . By installingrooftop solar , about 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide can be continue out of the atmosphere each year . Plus , solar dialog box last 25 to 30 long time , make them a impudent investiture in the long run . This is an excellent way to bring in an old nursing home into the modern age , while saving money on galvanic exercise long condition .

9. Get a heat pump.

Installing anenergy - efficient heat pumpas part of the HVAC system is another way to upgrade an quondam rest home . What make heat pumps unique is that they both cool and heat a home using a refrigerant and compressor . They pull heat from the outside and transfer it inside . Then the process is reversed to cool down the melodic line temperature as needed . This dual - aim cognitive process can save both zip and money over time . Plus , it ’s not necessary to buy freestanding heating and cooling scheme .

10. Switch shower heads and toilets.

Sometimes it ’s the slight things throughout a base that can make all the difference . Replacingshower head and toiletswith more vigour - efficient models can lead in both energy and fiscal savings . By installing low - current shower heads and spigot aerators , up to 2,700 Imperial gallon of water and more than 330 kilowatt time of day of electrical energy can be save each year since there is less demand on the water hummer .

Did you bang that toilet make up about 30 per centum of your home ’s indoor weewee consumption ? Older models use way more water with each bang , so replace them with more efficient 1 arrest theWaterSense labelthat run across the Environmental Protection Agency ’s specifications for water efficiency and performance .

11. Look for leaky faucets.

Nothing is more irritating than dripping water . tattling spigot can stop up blow up your water bill if not address . According to the EPA , the modal household ’s leak can result in about 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year . Be on the lookout forleaky spigot , which can happen due to aging plumbing or drain lines .

12. Fix the fireplace.

in conclusion , fixing the fireplacein an older family is an important measure in making the home more energy effective . Fireplaces and chimneys are often taken for granted , but they should be check and clean on a regular basis to make certain they ’re operating safely and efficaciously . Keep open fireplace dampers closed when not in use to foreclose strong indoor air from escaping through the chimney . regard bringing in a professional to visit the chimney , lamp chimney cap , and fireplace , and to make any necessary repairs .

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