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Old homes are typically valued for their charm, architecture, and sometimes even historical value. While there are many positive aspects of older homes, energy efficiency isn't typically one of them. Unless an older home has been completely renovated and outfitted with energy saving modifications, it is likely that the older home is costing its owner more money in energy than is necessary. Considering the construction period of many old homes, there leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to energy efficiency. Homes constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s were primarily brick with perhaps some clapboard siding and often high ceilings. Any duct work and most plumbing would have been added many years after initial construction and may or may not be the most efficient. Even homes built as recently as the 1940s or 50s are likely to have their energy efficiency faults as well. The primary energy efficiency problems with old homes are the lack of insulation and poorly sealed windows and doors. Some older homes have plaster walls built directly over exterior brick, leaving no doubt about the presence, or lack of, insulation. Better yet, in homes with ceilings that are nine feet or higher, the absence of insulation is often felt in the colder months due to too many drafts to hold heat efficiently, causing homeowners to crank the heat up higher to stay warm. To reduce energy costs in an older home, the first thing homeowners should do is check for insulation in the attic, walls, and between floors. The attic is a simple investigation but the walls may be a bit trickier. In most cases, it's safe to assume that the walls are probably not insulated or at best, poorly insulated. Any variety of insulation can be used to re-insulate an attic but spray insulation may be your best and only bet for walls. You can often perform this task yourself; even if you can't find a way to access some parts of your home, any additional insulation you can give your home will help reduce energy costs. One of the benefits of spray foam insulation is its ability to be applied to awkward spaces, small crevices, and around obstacles. These factors make spray foam insulation an ideal choice for older homes. Be sure to seal off any leaks in roof vents and other drafty areas before installing insulation of any kind to maximize its effectiveness. Look for access panels to the insides of walls, especially exterior walls, to see if spraying insulation between them is possible. In two-story homes, insulating between the floor joists will help keep the lowest level warmer in the winter and the upper level cooler in the summer. In addition to adding proper insulation, eliminating drafty doors and windows is another action that can reduce energy costs. If you can afford to replace drafty windows, you may benefit in a reduction in energy bills sooner. In many older homes, especially in areas governed by a historical society or neighborhood association, certain types of replacement windows may be against building codes so be sure to check bylaws. If sealing drafty windows and doors is your only option, then invest in high quality weather stripping to seal around door and window frames. Don't overlook the value of insulated curtains, draperies or other window coverings as well. Open up window coverings when the sun shines in the winter and close them in the summer. If necessary, seal windows off completely in the winter with plastic window coverings. Also don't forget to seal drafts from fireplaces that are no longer in use - a common situation in older homes. Aside from reducing the energy consumed while heating and cooling an older home, remember to think about other energy-saving appliances. Energy-efficient hot water heaters, water-saving toilets and washing machines, as well as dishwashers and refrigerators can all help save on energy costs. Considering that some older homes were constructed prior to the invention of some appliances, let alone before they had the energy-efficient functions of today's appliances, it stands to reason that older homes need special attention in this area. Even if the home has undergone updates, unless they were performed in the last five to seven years, odds are that more could be done. By giving your older home a once over by means of an energy audit, you can find areas where your energy costs can be reduced. Proper insulation and sealing off leaks are the two leading ways to reduce energy costs but taking additional measures, such as replacing old outdated appliances with newer energy-efficient models and switching incandescent bulbs to EFLs are other worthwhile measures. By their sheer design, older homes were not meant to be energy efficient but as a homeowner paying the utility bills, energy efficiency will quickly become an important matter. Many measures are fairly inexpensive and can reap an abundance of rewards in both comfort and cost. The effort will surely help you love your old home even more.
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