How To Make Old Homes More Energy Efficient?

Long ago, when it was much greener and less or no electricity, old homes were built with a focus on naturally ventilated rather than energy efficiency.

Therefore, making old homes more energy efficient is becoming an increasingly important concern. As people now strive to reduce their energy bills, minimize their carbon footprint, and contribute to their comfort.

Whether you are buying or already have an old house for generations, here are some ways to make old homes more energy efficient.

Make old homes more energy efficient

Old homes have their own rustic charm and bear days of yore. Though, compared to today’s airtight modern houses, older homes have natural ventilation through leaks, cracks, and other openings (that are sometimes left open intentionally).

But the question is- how do you identify whether these flaws were intentional or not? Below are a few ways you can try to make your home energy efficient – ways to be more energy efficient.

#1 Replace Drafty Windows and Fit New Doors

Since materials like plastic and aluminum were rare in those days, and consequently costly, windows and doors in old homes were made of thick glass panels and wooden frames. But we have no such issues. Replace old windows and doors with high-quality aluminum sheets and double-glazed windows. To make older homes more energy efficient, fit secondary glazing panels and use thick curtains.

#2 Go With Smart Control Systems

Installing a programmable thermostat and smart lighting solutions- like Tubular lights and LED bulbs can help maintain heating and cooling systems and lighting fixtures in your house. Meaning- heating & lighting the space when the home is occupied and switching off automatically when do not detect any motion in the room. And they are easy to maintain and access. Just download the appropriate App and use it to your needs. Consequently, you consume less energy and save a lot on electricity bills.

#3 Improve Your HVAC Systems

Though the average life expectancy of an HVAC system is about 15-20 years, you can still think to upgrade it to today’s energy-efficient options. Such a heating or air conditioning system with an Energy Star certificate can assist in tackling old-homes common issues, including moisture build-up, excessive dust, and comparable heating and cooling temperatures in the rooms.

#4 Use Solar Power

Installing a solar panel can help you reduce utility bills and get you extra tax credits. Though solar panels can cost a bit higher when installed but the eco-friendly way for energy saving at home. So you can also opt for only a solar water heater. It can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water, which can significantly reduce energy costs and increase the energy efficiency of your homes.

#5 Sealing The Leaks & Add Insulation

You may find leaks in the attic, loft, and walls from where you’re likely to lose heat. Now, sealing these draughts and insulating old homes will offer more comfortable. Insulation enables the maintenance of a consistent temperature throughout the year. How you can do this? Using blown-in insulation or laying fiberglass batts in the attic can save you from high energy bills and provide a comfortable temperature. Or you can use caulk in the bathroom windows and plumbing fixtures.

#7 Switch To Smart Lighting Solutions

Did you know? About 70% of the electricity generated by traditional filament bulbs and lights is heat rather than light. Well, one of the easiest ways is to switch to LED bulbs and tubular lights. Not only do LED bulbs reduce almost 90% of energy consumption but also have 20 times larger lifespans than traditional lights and convert more energy into light than heat.

Hence, by upgrading your lighting systems with LEDs and smart lights, you can save much more on energy costs.

Before Starting

Even if you don’t have much capital to spend, there are many other small changes you can construct more energy efficient homes. Using the above-mentioned ways can help to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable living for you and your future generations.

Fortunately, to bring these changes, you don’t have to tear your old home down and reconstruct it. With these ways, you have an opportunity to get more energy efficiency and enhance overall eco-friendliness in and around your homes.