Converting an old home into an efficient oneReader submitted

Old homes have a certain charm about them. They tend to have a unique personality that modern homes don’t have. They are also more likely to be cheaper than newer houses because they might not be as well-maintained as they used to be. However, old homes will uniformly have much higher energy bills because they are not particularly energy efficient. Fortunately, there are many different steps that can be taken in order to remedy this.

Step 1: Maximise energy-efficient features already present

Old homes are not entirely devoid of features that are considered to be energy efficient. They are built with very thick walls, which is excellent for insulation because it makes it less likely that the temperature inside the building will be affected by the temperature outside. They are also usually painted with finishes that reflect the light away from the house, keeping it cool, windows and shutters, vents, and porches that will shade the front of the house.

Step 2: Schedule an energy audit

Building inspections need to be performed in order to locate air leaks. The biggest source of energy inefficiency in old homes tends to be the ability of air from the outside to be able to get into the house with relative ease. A surveyor can find these leaks using the blower door test that will remove the pressure of the air in the house to better find leaks. Building inspections can also be conducted by using infrared sensors to find temperature disparities that could indicate a leak.

Step 3: Seal the home

The most common areas where air will be able to get into a home and cause more energy to be needed to maintain a comfortable temperature are doors and windows to the outside, chimneys, around the attic hatch, cable and phone line openings, dryer vents, cracks in masonry or siding, electrical outlets, and outdoor faucets. These leaks can be sealed using caulk by the owner of the house, or, if the job is particularly extensive, professionals can be hired.

Step 4: Improve heating and cooling systems

After all of the leaks have been sealed, the heating and cooling system needs to be tackled. Some easy advice that can be applied to most old homes is to insulate the heating unit, ordinarily a boiler, and the pipes that distribute the heat throughout the house. It is also recommended to turn down the thermostat on a hot water heater. According to the EPA, for every 10 degrees the thermostat is reduced, there will be a 3-5% savings on the energy bill. Solar hot water systems are another option, harnessing the power of the sun to heat 65-85% of a home’s hot water needs. A third option is to install a geothermal heat system, which uses natural gas and tends to be cheaper than standard methods of heating.

Step 5: Insulate

A surveyor can be hired to inspect where the house needs to be better insulated, which will help maintain a house’s temperature without additional energy being required. When proper insulation is installed, a home’s heating bills can be reduced by as much as 50%.