The following article was written by Phillip Reed on behalf of Redstone College. I know you will find the article to have a number of tips that will help you improve the weatherization of your classic home without ruining the character of your home.

Weatherizing the Classics

–Philip J Reed, on behalf of Redstone College

There is something extremely attractive about classic older homes.  There is a charm in them that can rarely, if ever, be met by newer constructions. With that charm though, come a few potential heating and cooling issues that you have to deal with in order to keep your classic home comfortable, and properly weatherized, all year long.  We will look at five of them below.

1. Windows

Older single pane windows are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to loss of hot or cool air, and you can often have them replaced with much more efficient double pane windows without sacrificing the charm and personality of your home. There are many styles available, so do your research and be sure that you are choosing a style in keeping with your home’s character.  An experienced decorator, or somebody who has restored classic homes in the past, may be able to guide you on this.  Ultimately, though, the decision comes down to you!

2. Doors

Ask anyone who has any experience weatherizing homes, classic or not, and they will tell you that after windows, a poorly fitting door is next on the list of culprits for leaking air. Luckily though, it’s an easy fix that won’t detract at all from the look of your home. Installing weather stripping around all of your exterior doors can and will save you a lot of money when it comes to your heating and cooling bills, and it will make a world difference in your family’s comfort level during those inclement months.

3. HVAC

Calling in the pros when it comes to your HVAC needs will ensure that you get the right climate control system for your home. Do your research and be sure you are hiring someone with an HVAC degree.  They can evaluate your home and find the most efficient way to make it comfortable, and they can also work with you to find a system that won’t detract from the visual personality of your home.  If you choose a technician you are comfortable with, they can easily be your biggest ally in your quest for proper (and stylistically appropriate) weatherization options.

4. Plumbing

Since it’s not hot or cold air that you’re losing through your pipes, people often forget about them when weatherizing their homes.  This is not a good thing to forget, however!  Freezing pipes can (and often will) burst, and that can result in pricey repairs, or even in damages that can’t be satisfactorily repaired at all.  (Basements tend to suffer from this most of all.)  So don’t disrespect your plumbing!  Give it the attention it deserves and needs.  Make sure your plumbing is both properly installed and properly insulated, or expect a costly and inconvenient winter!

5. Top floor

Many older homes have attics, and if yours hasn’t been renovated into a useable space it’s all too easy to forget it even exists as anything other than storage space.  But a great way to cut down on your heating and cooling costs is to make sure that your attic is properly sealed and insulted, including those decorative attic windows that you may not even realize are broken!

Classic homes come with their own set of issues and challenges, but for those who love their charm it’s more than worth the effort. Just remember that owning an older home doesn’t have to mean that you break the bank with your utility bills. By paying a little more attention to just a few basic aspects of your home, you can have the best of both worlds.