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