The Asheville, N.C., area is home to a range of historic properties, both commercial and residential, and boasts numerous neighborhoods on the National Registry of Historic Places. Asheville’s historic homes encompass a sense of charm and character hard to replicate in newer builds. But while historic homes offer aesthetic and architectural beauty, they can also come with inefficiencies that lead to higher energy costs and negative environmental impacts. Fortunately, there are ways to improve energy efficiency in historic homes without compromising their integrity. Following are some tips to do just that.
Assess your home’s current energy use
Before making any improvements, it’s essential to assess your historic home’s current energy use. Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit, which will identify areas where energy is being wasted. This audit can pinpoint gaps in insulation, drafts, inefficient heating and cooling systems, and outdated appliances. A thorough understanding of where inefficiencies lie will help you prioritize the improvements that will deliver the greatest return on investment.
Weatherproof and seal gaps
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency in a historic home is to address air leaks. Over time, historic homes can develop gaps in windows, doors and even the foundation, which lead to drafts. Sealing these leaks can have a significant impact on both comfort and energy use. Adding weatherstripping around doors and windows is an easy and inexpensive way to improve insulation. Or consider installing storm windows if your historic windows are original. These can enhance thermal efficiency without detracting from the home’s historical character.
Upgrade heating and cooling systems
The HVAC systems in historic homes may not be as efficient as modern systems. If your home still has an old furnace or air conditioning unit, upgrading to an Energy Star-rated system can significantly reduce your energy bills while maintaining the comfort of your home. If your historic home lacks ductwork, ductless mini-split heat pumps are an efficient alternative. These systems allow for zoned heating and cooling, which is particularly useful in older homes that might have different temperature needs in different areas of the house.
Restore, rather than replace, original features
One of the joys of owning a historic home is the original craftsmanship – beautiful moldings, intricate woodwork, and even antique doors or windows. If you’re looking to create better efficiency in your historic Asheville home, there are ways to restore, rather than replace, such original features. For instance, if your home has radiators, you can increase their efficiency by placing reflective radiator panels behind them. These panels direct more heat into the room rather than allowing it to escape through the walls. Additionally, if you have original windows that are single-paned, consider using insulated window coverings. Heavy drapes, Roman shades or cellular shades can help reduce heat loss without requiring you to replace the windows.
Switch out older lighting and appliances
Another efficient upgrade is swapping out older, energy-hungry appliances and lighting. Many historic homes may still feature outdated appliances that consume more energy than modern, energy-efficient models. Replace incandescent or CFL bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. Not only do they use less energy, but they also last longer, reducing waste. And if you’re updating kitchen or laundry appliances, make sure to choose Energy Star-rated models. These consume significantly less electricity and water, contributing to both your energy savings and environmental footprint.
Focus on green landscaping
Water conservation is another way to make a historic home more energy-efficient. Updating your landscaping with drought-tolerant plants and using water-efficient irrigation systems are two ways to reduce water use and lower utility bills. Or consider implementing a rainwater harvesting system (such as rain barrels) to help reduce the need for potable water in the garden. This is especially useful for maintaining lush landscapes without taxing municipal water supplies.
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Carefully implement modernization projects
Many historic homes are subject to area preservation rules, including with any updates you may make. It’s crucial to find a contractor who understands both the building’s historical value and the need for modern efficiency. In addition, consulting preservation experts and organizations like The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County (https://psabc.org) can ensure your updates are in line with local regulations and guidelines.
For more information on historic homes in Asheville or anywhere in Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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