How To Make An Old Home More Energy Efficient

If you own an old home, it’s likely that it’s not nearly as energy-efficient as it can be. There are several things that you can do to improve efficiency that don’t cost a lot of money.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

If you stay on top of home maintenance, it makes your home more energy-efficient. Change the filter in your heating and cooling system every few months, and you will save money on your energy bills. Look at exposed ducts and seal any holes or loose connections you see. Get your heater and cooler tuned-up once a year by a professional to keep them operating at their best.

F & R Air Conditioning, Inc. of Abbeville, LA, offers annual heater and air conditioner maintenance. Maintenance reduces energy bills, improves safety and extends the life of your equipment among other benefits.

Upgrade Insulation

Old homes often have insulation that is decades old and insufficient. Here in South Louisiana, a lot of older homes sit on pier-and-beam foundations with open crawl spaces, which let heat escape right through the floor in winter and bake the house in summer. The most cost-effective places to add insulation are your attic and crawlspace (or unfinished basement). You can save up to 50% on your monthly energy bills by adding insulation to these areas.

Seal Air Leaks

You can make your home more energy-efficient by sealing exterior air leaks. The most common leaks are around doors and windows. You can fix leaks around windows with caulk or weather stripping.

For leaky doors, replace worn gaskets at the top and bottom. For outlets on exterior walls, install a foam gasket behind them to prevent indoor air from exchanging with outdoor air.

Upgrade Appliances and Lights

If your home has old appliances, you can save a great deal of money by upgrading to modern Energy Star appliances. Replace incandescent bulbs with LED light bulbs to reduce your energy bills.

We’ve been working on older Acadiana homes since 1956, and we know the common trouble spots. If your old home’s HVAC system needs a tune-up, a duct inspection, or a full replacement, call F & R Air Conditioning at (337) 893-5646 and let’s talk about what will make the biggest difference for your house.