Most new construction these days is designed to optimize energy efficiency, which is something we all want. Does that mean, however, that old, historic homes are not remotely energy efficient? The answer may surprise you.
When we think of an old house, we usually associate it with being freezing and drafty in the winter and too hot in the summer, but did you know that these homes were designed to be energy efficient? In what ways?
Here are some aspects of historic homes which contribute to their energy efficiency:
They are generally built using heavy duty construction materials such as masonry or brick which makes walls extra thick. This, in turn, helps them retain heat better.
While most modern houses today are often built to be pleasing to the eye, it usually means they have more windows than is necessary. Historic houses generally positioned windows in such a way that they maximized light and provided good ventilation. They usually have shutters or space for heavier curtains and drapes which keeps the heat in. These factors all provide a good amount of insulation which contributes to energy savings.
What about hotter parts of the country? How were these homes designed for the heat? They were often built with exterior balconies, porches and wide roof overhangs which provided needed shade. Trees positioned in just the right place were also used for this. The exterior of the house was frequently painted light, heat reflecting colors. All these factors helped the indoors stay cooler.
As we can see, an old historic home isn’t necessarily an energy drainer. If you are fixing up an old home, make sure you don’t lose any of these energy saving features.
When we think of an old house, we usually associate it with being freezing and drafty in the winter and too hot in the summer, but did you know that these homes were designed to be energy efficient? In what ways?
Here are some aspects of historic homes which contribute to their energy efficiency:
They are generally built using heavy duty construction materials such as masonry or brick which makes walls extra thick. This, in turn, helps them retain heat better.
While most modern houses today are often built to be pleasing to the eye, it usually means they have more windows than is necessary. Historic houses generally positioned windows in such a way that they maximized light and provided good ventilation. They usually have shutters or space for heavier curtains and drapes which keeps the heat in. These factors all provide a good amount of insulation which contributes to energy savings.
What about hotter parts of the country? How were these homes designed for the heat? They were often built with exterior balconies, porches and wide roof overhangs which provided needed shade. Trees positioned in just the right place were also used for this. The exterior of the house was frequently painted light, heat reflecting colors. All these factors helped the indoors stay cooler.
As we can see, an old historic home isn’t necessarily an energy drainer. If you are fixing up an old home, make sure you don’t lose any of these energy saving features.
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