Insulating Old House: Tips and Tricks for Improved Energy Efficiency

If you live in an old house, you may have noticed that it can be difficult to keep the space warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This is often due to poor insulation, which can result in drafts, high energy bills and a general feeling of discomfort. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve the insulation of your old home and make it more energy-efficient. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks for insulating an old house.

Assess Your Home's Current Insulation

Before you begin any insulation project, it's important to assess your home's current insulation. This will give you an idea of where you need to focus your efforts. You can start by checking your attic, walls and floors for insulation. If your home was built before the 1980s, it's likely that it doesn't have enough insulation and what insulation it does have may be inadequate by today's standards.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks are a major source of energy loss in any home, but they are particularly common in old houses. To reduce air leaks, you can start by sealing gaps around windows and doors and adding weatherstripping to doors. You can also seal any gaps around electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and other areas where pipes enter your home.

Insulate Your Attic

Insulating your attic is one of the most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home. If your attic is currently uninsulated, you can install fiberglass batts or blown-in insulation between the joists. If you have an older home with knob-and-tube wiring or other electrical issues, it's important to work with a professional to ensure that the insulation doesn't pose a fire hazard.

Consider Wall Insulation

If your walls are uninsulated, you may want to consider adding insulation. There are a few different ways to do this, including blown-in insulation and foam insulation. Blown-in insulation involves blowing loose insulation into wall cavities, while foam insulation is applied in a liquid form and expands to fill the space. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to do your research before making a decision.

Insulate Your Floors

If you have a crawlspace or basement, you may want to insulate your floors. This will help to reduce drafts and keep the space warmer in the winter. You can use fiberglass batts or foam insulation to insulate the space between the floor joists. If you have a concrete slab floor, you can install rigid foam insulation panels over the slab.

Don't Forget About Windows

Windows are a major source of heat loss in any home, but they are particularly problematic in old houses. If your windows are old and drafty, you may want to consider replacing them with energy-efficient models. If you can't afford to replace your windows, you can add storm windows or window film to improve their energy efficiency.