Can I Make My Historic Home More Energy-Efficient?

One of the best aspects of historic homes is the considerable thought and care that went into their design. Folks in centuries past had a real sense of how to build houses to work with Mother Nature to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. That said, those long-ago builders didn’t have access to the technological advances that make contemporary homes energy efficient. So, there are always steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency when planning a renovation or restoration. The key is finding a contractor who knows how to work with your home’s natural structural advantages while proposing innovative solutions that do not compromise the structure or appearance. Let’s take a look at some of the challenge areas and creative ways to tackle them.

Beefing Up Your Insulation

Historic homeowners often feel like they’re heating and cooling the entire outdoors. And with good reason: historic homes are under-insulated. Heat loss is a significant problem, and we often have to add to existing insulation or start from scratch with updated materials. One of your first steps in improving energy efficiency is to assess the amount of insulation you already have: what types are currently in place, how much, and where your insulation is sufficient (or lacking).

Insulating the top of your house is essential, and the approach depends on whether your attic serves as an additional room with a floor or a crawl space. In a “usable” attic, you might add extra insulation in the roof rafters. In a crawl space, you could add insulation directly above the top-floor ceiling. In most cases, you can choose to blow in or lay in insulation in the attic. However, if your walls need additional insulation, blow-in technology is a godsend, allowing us to improve under-insulated walls with minimal intrusion.

Closing The Gaps: Windows and Doors in Historic Renovations

If there’s one word that’s almost always on the lips of historic home stewards, it’s “drafty.” And with good reason: leaky windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss. Old houses often separate you from the outside world with a single layer of glass, and wooden frames may be loose or broken. Windows are a huge part of the fabric and character of an old house. We strive to preserve historic windows whenever possible and restore them to enhance their energy efficiency. In addition to window repair, we often recommend aesthetically appropriate storm windows, an additional piece of glass that goes on the outside of your window. Storm windows can be custom-made to complement your house and match its aesthetics and vibe.

In some cases, it may not be cost-effective to repair your historic windows. Your historic restoration specialist can help you find energy-efficient replacement windows in styles that fit your house. Your contractor can also assess your doors and recommend ways to make entrances as weatherproof as possible with materials that maintain your home’s aesthetic.

Upgrading HVAC Systems and Chimneys in an Older Home

No upgrade focused on energy efficiency is complete without looking at your home’s HVAC system. Many old houses have outdated (or nonexistent) ductwork, which makes heating and cooling a challenge.

One popular solution is replacing your aging furnace with a high-efficiency model. We’ve also had success with alternative options, such as ductless mini-split air conditioning systems and heat pumps, which are non-intrusive solutions that don’t require major overhauls of ductwork or significant structural changes. Radiant heat flooring is another increasingly popular option, especially when replacing flooring.

Caring for your chimneys is a crucial step in making your older house more energy-efficient. Keeping the flue closed keeps heat from rising out of the house. Regular chimney cleanings and inspections ensure that your flue functions as designed, helping you use your fireplace or woodstove safely and efficiently.

Losing Heat? Check The Roof

A roof inspection is crucial in planning energy-efficient upgrades to your historic home. A properly ventilated roof will breathe, allowing the heat of summer to escape and preventing the freeze-thaw cycle that causes ice dams in winter. One high-impact upgrade is adding soffit vents to the underside of your roof to enhance airflow.

How Can My Historic Restoration Specialist Help With Energy Efficiency?

At Carpenter Beach Construction, we’re often in awe of the designs that builders of historic homes envisioned for heating and cooling decades and even centuries ago. As historic restoration specialists, tapping into age-old solutions for natural breathability is essential. We also recognize the importance of incorporating 21st-century technology to enhance your home’s design and create sustainable solutions for years to come. Introducing energy-efficient upgrades while maintaining aesthetics and structural integrity is a cornerstone of our philosophy. If you’re looking to ditch the drafts while preserving the charm, let’s make it happen in style.