1. Improving
Energy Efficiency
in your
Historic Home

2. “Efficient energy use, sometimes simply called
energy efficiency, is the goal of efforts to reduce
the amount of energy required to provide
products and services.”
“Making homes, vehicles, and businesses more
energy efficient is seen as a largely untapped
solution to addressing the problems of
pollution, global warming, energy security, and
fossil fuel depletion.”

3. Why Improve Energy Efficiency?
In our homes we want
to:

Improve comfort

Reduce fossil fuel/
non-renewable
energy use

Save money

4. The goal is to reduce energy use and improve comfort
without diminishing the integrity of your historic
home.
And don't spend more than you would save.

5. “... when comparing buildings of equivalent size and
function, building reuse almost always offers
environmental savings over demolition and new
construction.”

6. Understanding Your Historic Home
“Early homes had many energy conserving features out of
necessity because of the inefficiency of heating with
fireplaces and the lack of artificial cooling. Interest in these
features lessened as technical advances produced a greater
ability to control interior temperatures while at the same
time reducing the amount of homeowner labor. Ultimately,
large mechanical systems were used to completely control
the interior environment, thus eliminating the need for
energy saving features.”
- John Burns, Energy Conserving Features Inherent in Older
Homes

7. Understanding Your Historic Home

Designed to make the most of the natural environment

Florida homes designed for Florida climate

High ceilings

Wide eaves

Porches

Raised foundations

Lots of large, operable windows with screens

Natural Light

Cross ventilation

Air conditioning was not anticipated

8. Approaches to Improving
Energy Efficiency
1.Reduce reliance on energy
sources/ improve performance of
existing systems
2.Upgrade to more efficient systems
3.Replace existing energy sources
with renewable energy sources

9. Simple Ways to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources

Adapt your attitude about comfort

Accept a wider range of temperatures

Take an active role in regulating
climate

Open windows rather than turning on
AC

Use blinds/ curtains to reduce heat gain

Use ceiling fans before resorting to AC
BECOME PART OF THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

10. Simple Ways to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Reduce Heat Gain

Use blinds and heavy curtains

UV blocking films

Awnings/ shutters

Plant trees

Add a porch

11. Simple Ways to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources

Seal wall openings

Plumbing, AC, wire penetrations,
dryer vent, outlets, fireplace

Weatherstripping

Install a solar-powered attic fan

Replace lights bulbs with more
energy efficient bulbs

Insulate your hot water heater

Air dry clothes

12. Upgrades that will Improve
Energy Efficiency
Upgrade appliances

Water heater

Solar

Tankless/on demand

Set on a timer

Kitchen Appliances

Energy Star ratings

Water saving fixtures

13. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Insulation

Attic

Radiant barrier

Floor

Walls
− “One of the top reasons for exterior paint
failure, termites and structural damage to
old houses is loose cellulose or fiberglass
insulation blown into the sidewalls”

14. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Roofing

Light Roof Colors

Cool Roof Colors

Metal roof

20% reduction in energy costs

No skylights – use dormers when more
light is desired

15. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Windows

Windows contribute only 10-12% of overall infiltration to the
building envelope. Much more infiltration occurs at roof
eaves, foundations and even through wall receptacles, dryer
and plumbing vents and fireplaces.

Double-pane windows do not work well at reducing heat gain

16. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Replacement Windows – Rarely worth the
investment 20 year max. life

Generally a
for replacement windows

It takes 40+ years to
recoup the cost of the
replacement windows
through energy savings

Studies have demonstrated that
a historic wood window,
properly maintained, weather-
stripped and with a storm
window, can be just as energy
efficient as a new window

17. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Windows

Keep windows in good repair

Close latches so they meet properly

Weatherstripping

UV films

18. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Air Conditioning

Min. SEER Rating 13

If unit is more than 12 years
old, replacing it with more
efficient model could cut
your cooling costs by 30%

Size properly – bigger is not better

Ducts in conditioned space if possible

Air handler should not be in attic

19. Upgrades to Reduce Reliance
on Energy Sources
Air Conditioning

Seal duct leaks or replace ducts (insulated)

Get a programmable thermostat

Change filters monthly

Small duct high velocity systems

20. Replacement Energy Sources
Solar

Place panels on non-primary facades

Place panels on outbuildings

Solar producing shingles
Wind Turbines

Aesthetics/ Size

Removable

Noise

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