When it comes to the construction of new homes, there is always a lot of discussion regarding the many energy saving practices available nowadays. For a large portion of us though, we live in a much older home that was built way before any of these new innovations existed. Does that mean that there is no way to be energy conscious in our older home?
For many of us it might be surprising to learn, that older homes can be very energy efficient, in some ways more so than even new homes. How so? Lets consider a few of these ways:
Many more historic homes were constructed using brick or masonry. Walls constructed with these types of materials are usually very thick and are good at retaining heat.
Unlike in modern homes today, which often have more windows than is needed, just because they look good, historic homes have windows that were positioned for maximum light efficiency and ventilation. This makes them more energy efficient. Windows in historic houses were often designed to have shutters, curtains and drapes, which keep windows better insulated.
In warmer areas of the country, exteriors of older homes were painted with lighter colors in order to reflect the hot sun. This makes the interiors cooler.
Many historic homes that were built in hotter parts of the country were also built with features such as porches, exterior balconies, wide roof overhangs and well positioned trees good for shade.
If you have the joy of living in a historic home, why not look at its various features to see if they are automatically energy efficient?
For many of us it might be surprising to learn, that older homes can be very energy efficient, in some ways more so than even new homes. How so? Lets consider a few of these ways:
Many more historic homes were constructed using brick or masonry. Walls constructed with these types of materials are usually very thick and are good at retaining heat.
Unlike in modern homes today, which often have more windows than is needed, just because they look good, historic homes have windows that were positioned for maximum light efficiency and ventilation. This makes them more energy efficient. Windows in historic houses were often designed to have shutters, curtains and drapes, which keep windows better insulated.
In warmer areas of the country, exteriors of older homes were painted with lighter colors in order to reflect the hot sun. This makes the interiors cooler.
Many historic homes that were built in hotter parts of the country were also built with features such as porches, exterior balconies, wide roof overhangs and well positioned trees good for shade.
If you have the joy of living in a historic home, why not look at its various features to see if they are automatically energy efficient?
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