Making your old home more energy-efficient is a great way to improve its function and save you money on your energy bills at the same time. Many older homes have a number of benefits, such as more space and a better location, but they also have their drawbacks.
One undeniable downside of older homes is their energy inefficiency. Without the same level of know-how and technology that goes into building new houses today, older homes can be much more likely to have drafty windows, poor insulation, and outdated HVAC systems.
Luckily, there are a number of measures you can take to make your old home more energy-efficient, so you get the best of both worlds: a beautiful, well-functioning home and savings on your energy bills.
Some of the best ways to make your old home more energy-efficient include:
Get an Energy Audit
The best way to start making your old home more energy-efficient is to get an energy audit. An energy audit begins by documenting the energy usage of your home.
An auditor will come to your home and perform a series of tests, such as checking the insulation level or taking readings of air leaks.
Based on the results of these tests, they will be able to give you a list of recommendations for making your home more energy-efficient.
You can then prioritize the most important changes to you and make a plan to implement them.
Roof and Loft Insulation
Improving your home’s insulation has the potential to save between 10% and 50% of your energy heating bill.
The most effective way to improve your home’s insulation is with attic, wall, or roof insulation. This works by creating a barrier between the hot air inside and the cold air outside, thus reducing your heating costs in winter and keeping things cool in summer.
If your home doesn’t have adequate insulation, you can easily add more by installing roof or loft insulation. This is a job that most people can do themselves, and it’s a relatively quick and easy process.
Wall Insulation
An often-overlooked area when it comes to insulation in the walls of your home. By adding wall insulation, you can stop a lot of the heat from escaping your house and save on your energy bills as a result.
Wall insulation is not as expensive as loft or roof insulation, but it can be more challenging to install, depending on the type of external wall insulation you choose.
While cavity wall insulation is the most common option, it’s not suitable for many older homes that have solid walls. Alternatives like insulation boards and internal wall insulation can pose their own issues, so it’s essential to do your research before deciding on the best type of wall insulation for your home.
Luckily, there is another option. Cork-based wall coatings are a unique form of insulation that can be used on both old and new homes. With cork being class 1 breathable material, it’s a healthy and effective alternative to other types of wall insulation.
Renewable Energy
One of the best ways to make your old home more energy-efficient is to install renewable energy sources. Here are some of the most common options:
- Solar panels – This is one of the most popular and cost-effective renewable energy sources. By installing solar panels on your house, you can generate almost all the electricity your home needs, meaning you don’t have to rely as heavily on fossil fuels for power.
- Solar thermal water heating –Solar heating systems are another great way to make an old home more energy-efficient. They use the sun’s rays to heat up water, which can then be used for things like washing clothes, dishes, and bathing.
- Wind turbines – If you have a bit more space on your property, installing a wind turbine is a great way to generate renewable energy from the power of the wind.
- Biomass boilers – – Biomass boilers use wood or plant materials to create heat and hot water. They’re a great alternative for those who do not have access to other renewable energy sources, like solar panels.
By installing one of these renewable energy sources in your old home, you will be doing your part to protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
Windows
Windows are a big culprit when it comes to heat loss in an old home. Windows that have not been replaced in a long time are often drafty and do not seal well, which means warm air escapes your house, and cold air seeps in.
Replacing your windows is one of the most effective ways to make your old home more energy-efficient, as new windows will be more efficient at keeping the heat in your house.
Windows can be a big investment, but they are one of the most important ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Efficient CFL or LED Options
According to one analysis, an average home could go from spending $50.25 per month in light bulbs energy costs to just $17.71 if they switch to LED bulbs in every socket.
This kind of energy consumption reduction is not only great for your monthly energy bills, but it also helps the environment by reducing the number of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere.
Heating and Cooling System
An HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling your home. Unfortunately, if you have an old HVAC system, it’s likely not working as efficiently as it could be.
Heating and cooling costs can account for more than half of a home’s energy use, so it is essential to ensure your HVAC system is running smoothly and efficiently.
Replacing your old HVAC system with more energy savings one can be a big investment, but it is worth it in the long run.
You can also add air conditioning to an older home. Air conditioning is a great way to keep your home cool in the summer and can be installed relatively cheaply.
These are just a few ways to make an old home more energy-efficient, safeguard & improve indoor air quality and reduce your impact on the environment.
Our patented Sprayed Cork Technology can reduce your energy bills, by creating a thermal barrier against the elements. Depending on the season, our sprayed cork technology works in the summer by keeping cool air in and blocking hot air from penetrating your building envelope. In the harshest of winters, the same system will keep the warm air in and freezing temperatures out.
What this does is reduce the energy load needed to heat or cool your home. Lowering your energy bills while also extending the life of your HVAC systems. You need to see what cork can do for you!
If you’re interested in improving the energy efficiency of your older home, Cork Defense Systems can help. Our exterior wall coatings are a great way to improve insulation in your home and make it more aesthetically appealing. Our Sprayed Cork Roof Coating System reflects the sun and insulates comparable to an additional R-17 insulation thermal break for your home.
Contact us today for more information about our cork coatings and how they can help you improve the energy efficiency of your old home.