improving the energy efficiency of your historic florida home

ImprovingEnergy Efficiency

in your Historic Home

“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.”

Why Improve Energy Efficiency?

In our homes we want to:

Improve comfort Reduce fossil fuel/ non-renewable energy use

Save money

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.

“... when comparing buildings of equivalent size and function, building reuse almost

always offers environmental savings over demolition and new construction.”

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

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

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

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

Simple Ways to Reduce Reliance

on Energy SourcesReduce Heat Gain Use blinds and heavy curtains UV blocking films Awnings/ shutters Plant trees Add a porch

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

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

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”

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

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

Upgrades to Reduce Reliance on Energy Sources

Generally a 20 year max. life 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

Replacement Windows – Rarely worth the investment

Upgrades to Reduce Reliance on Energy Sources

Windows Keep windows in good repair Close latches so they meet

properly Weatherstripping UV films

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

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

Replacement Energy SourcesSolar Place panels on non-primary facades Place panels on outbuildings Solar producing shinglesWind Turbines Aesthetics/ Size Removable Noise

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