Historic homes, when restored well, can be beautiful places to live. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to know how to make the home more energy-efficient without ruining the old features that make it so special. Here are a few simple ways to do this:
Insulation is a good way to increase energy efficiency. The attic is perhaps one of the best places to insulate and is also the easiest. You will need to find out the best insulation to use for an older property, though, so it does not cause any damage to the home.
Windows can cause major drafts in a home. It would be a shame to remove the original windows if they are still in decent shape, so you may want to try storm windows instead. These will not damage the house and are easily installed. Storm doors could be added in the same way.
Adding weatherstripping will help block gaps and cracks in joints, etc. which is another source of drafts. Just be sure that when you are choosing materials for your old home, like paint, for example, they stay in keeping with the age of the place.
Another effective way to increase energy efficiency without damaging the character of the home is to replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated ones. You can also go through the home and replace the light bulbs with energy-saving CFL ones.