Photo by Jeffrey Totaro

Ever wonder how you can make your beloved old house more energy efficient and "green"? Architect Debbie Woodward says clients ask this all the time when they’re renovating, and she’s prepared with answers.

Most of the houses in our area were built long before anyone uttered the phrase "carbon footprint." "Construction methods have changed over the years. Today’s buildings, if built well, will be what we call 'tight,' meaning that heated or cooled air stays inside the building," says Woodward, a staff architect with Krieger + Associates Architects of Chestnut Hill, whose specialty is green design.

In winter, a poorly insulated old house might be losing heat at roof edges, around pipes and vents running through walls, or from ductwork in an attic or crawlspace. Substantial heat loss can occur where old windows and storms no longer close snugly.

On top of this, aging heating systems and appliances can't match the performance of new, high-efficiency ones.

Do the Tighten Up

Tightening up your home can save 20% on heating and cooling costs. "A home energy audit is a great place to start," says Woodward. For $300 to $500, an audit pro will employ a special fan and a thermal imaging camera to disclose leaky areas in your house. They’ll also assess the safety of your mechanical systems and identify major energy wasters. You’ll get a report so you can tackle repairs and upgrades systematically.

Armed with this info, you could start by filling holes with caulk and sealing leaky duct seams. Next, you might consult with a contractor to install new insulation. Whether it's blown-in foam, lay-in batting, recycled or new materials, will depend on the area you're insulating. Just remember that the higher the R-value, the greater the material's insulating properties.

If your audit recommends new, insulated, double-paned windows, you have several criteria to consider. Vinyl windows are inexpensive, but not as strong as wood. "Metal-clad wood windows are a better choice," says Woodward. Solid wood is traditional, and a good insulator, but requires upkeep. Fiberglass-clad wood windows are a newer option—they offer good insulation with easier upkeep than wood.

Star Power

For windows that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy, choose those with the Energy Star seal. The same is true for heating and cooling systems and household appliances like dishwashers, clothes dryers, and refrigerators. Energy Star qualified washers and dryers use 1/3 less energy than standard models.

If your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, or is requiring frequent repairs and your energy bills are increasing, it’s time for a new unit. Energy Star high-efficiency furnaces are rated at 90%-95%efficiency, and can save a bundle on your heating costs.

"These steps are just the beginning to greening your home," says Woodward. "Renovating offers all kinds of opportunities to use recycled and sustainable materials, efficient lighting, and safer paints and finishes." So, roll up your sleeves and start turning green!

HillontheAvenue sponsor Dwyer Home Comfort can tailor a furnace or boiler estimate for you, incorporating a host of rebates and projecting the savings new unit can save over your current system. Please support our sponsors!