Old homes are beautiful and built to last a lifetime. One thing they aren’t known for, though, is their energy efficiency. As older materials settle, gaps between the materials can lead to significant air leaks. When you combine these issues with the inefficiency of older materials such as single-pane windows, it’s easy to see why old Oak Harbor homes can be energy hogs.
If you’re tired of paying for the privilege of living in a historic home, though, there are steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here are a few steps to get you started:
Fill the Cavities
Given that construction methods for many older homes differed from the construction methods that are used today, most older homes have significant empty cavities throughout their structure that lead to energy inefficiency. To make your home more comfortable, therefore, it’s important to fill these cavities with high-density insulation. Of course, cavities on exterior walls are the most important, but all cavities should be filled to achieve the best results.
Change the HVAC System
The technology used to heat and cool a home has improved drastically since your older home was built. While it may be easier and less expensive to hold onto some of the legacy components that currently heat and cool your home, your best option is to start from scratch and install an efficient central heating and cooling system.
By making the leap to an all-new system, you avoid safety risks and inefficiencies that can cause trouble down the road. Plus, with the old components gone, you will have more space to customize your older home.
Perform a Blower Door Test
A blower door test uses a high-volume fan to pull air through your home to reveal the locations of air leaks. In an older home, especially, this can be a great tool to help you find all the small gaps and cracks that cause your home to be inefficient.
During the test, move around your home carefully to thoroughly note the presence of all air leaks. After the test is complete, you can use the appropriate weather-sealing products to make your home as good as new.
Making Sense of it All
In some cases, increasing the energy efficiency of a home simply requires repairing the HVAC system that is already there. If that’s true of your home, or if you’re interested in other energy-saving tips, the team at Island Heating & Air Conditioning stands ready to assist you. We offer heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us today for the prompt, professional service you deserve.
Tags: Efficiency, Energy, HeatingTags: Energy Efficiency
February 19, 2020 4:12 am
