What's at Stake? More
Not since the days of the oil crisis in the 1970's have Americans been so focused on energy consumption, especially weatherization. Just as the cost of heating and cooling has risen, so has the awareness of just how much energy seeps out of an average home every day. Central to this discussion is the role of older and historic buildings – and making them more energy efficient without jeopardizing their unique character.
Start with An Audit - The Good Kind More
Why A Home Energy Audit?
The first step in upping your home's energy efficiency is knowing exactly where its problems areas are located. Afraid of the unknown? Don't be! Knowledge is power, and a thorough, top-to-bottom home energy audit will equip you with everything you need to weatherize your older or historic home the right way. Read More »
Windows More
From Gothic masterpieces to the colorful details of stained glass, original windows help tell the special stories of our older and historic homes. However, despite their character-defining contributions, they are a commonly – and quite often inaccurately – labeled as energy drains that should be thrown out and replaced. Use this section of our guide to learn how you can keep your old windows, achieve energy efficiency, and be "green" in the process. Read More »
- Why do my old windows matter?
- Should I believe the hype about new windows being better?
- Should I repair or replace my old windows?
- Will storm windows help?
- How do I find someone to repair my windows?
- Are there easy, low-cost ways to make my windows more energy efficient?
Love Your Historic Windows
Do you love your older or historic windows? Share that love with the world by uploading pictures to our special photo group on Flickr.
Old Windows: Repair vs. Replace (PDF)
A visual look at the impacts with case studies.
Residential Windows Field Guide
What style of historic windows do you have?
Glossary of Windows Terminology
From A to Z, brush up on your windows lingo.
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Mechanical Systems More
Interested in upgrading or adding new systems to your older home? It's do-able, but handle your house with special care. Read More »
- Are there options for heating and cooling an older home?
- My home is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. What do I do?
Insulation More
Ready to weatherize? Adding insulation is a common jumping off point for homeowners. In doing so, it is critically important to consider the uniqueness of your building, the characteristics of its materials, the climate in which it resides, and the specific building methods that were used in its construction. Get the basics on insulating the careful way in places in your home where it is needed, appropriate, and effective. Read More »
- How do air and heat move through a building?
- How do I decide if I need to insulate?
- Should I have a blower door test?
- What are the right and wrong ways for adding insulation and heating a building?
Roofing More
If there's one thing you should never take for granted, it's definitely what's above your head. However, beyond shelter from the elements, the roofs of older and historic homes and buildings often have great architectural significance and should be maintained thoughtfully. Read More »
Start with the Roof (PDF)
A guide exploring roof types and strategies for keeping your home's roof weather tight.
Historic & Useful
New isn't always the answer! Though it might have been built many years before modern home systems and technologies, your older or historic home has something huge in its favor – good design. Explore some of the many "built-in" features that are intended to increase the performance of our buildings.
From Our Blog More
- Workshop Provides Hands-On Approach to Maximizing Energy Efficiency of Religious Institutions, ‘Greening’ Sacred Sites
- Climate Change and Places That Matter
- Baltimore Stimulus Money Going to Rehabilitation, Not Replacement
- World’s National Trusts Unite in Fighting Climate Change
- October “To-Dos” with Bill McKibben
