Are Energy Efficiency Investments Worth it in an Older Home?
Upgrading an older home for energy efficiency not only reduces energy bills but also adds comfort and value to your home. With modern advancements, you can preserve your home’s charm while reaping the benefits of lower energy consumption. Here’s how you can invest wisely in energy-efficient upgrades for older homes:
Improve Your Insulation
One of the most effective upgrades for older homes is improving insulation. Many older homes lack adequate insulation, causing air leakage and making it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Adding insulation in the attic, walls, and floors can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Attic insulation – Since heat rises, the attic is a major culprit for energy loss in older homes. By sealing air leaks and adding insulation, you can prevent warm air from escaping during winter and keep cool air inside during summer.
- Wall and floor insulation – If you have a home with uninsulated or poorly insulated walls and floors, adding insulation can be more challenging but worthwhile. Modern insulating materials can be installed without major renovations, and the energy savings will quickly add up.
Worth the investment? Absolutely! Insulation upgrades can cut heating and cooling costs by 10-50%, depending on the climate and home condition. Over time, the cost savings will outweigh the initial investment.
Amount of Effort: Medium.
Replace Windows for Better Thermal Performance
Older windows, especially those with single panes, are a common source of drafts and energy loss. Replacing them with energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane windows can prevent heat transfer and improve indoor comfort.
- Energy-efficient windows – Modern windows are built with multiple panes of glass, often filled with inert gas for better insulation. Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings further reduce energy loss by reflecting heat back into the home.
- Storm windows – If full window replacement is out of budget, consider adding storm windows for added insulation without the high cost.
Worth the investment? New windows can save 10-25% on energy bills, while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal and value of your home.
Amount of Effort: Medium.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
In older homes, tiny gaps around windows, doors, and other openings can let drafts in, making your HVAC system work harder. Air sealing is a simple but effective fix that can make a noticeable difference in your home’s energy efficiency.
- Weatherstripping and caulkin – Apply weatherstripping to doors and caulk to cracks around windows, pipes, and vents. This prevents air from escaping and cold drafts from sneaking in.
- Door sweeps– Installing door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors can further block drafts.
Worth the investment? Sealing leaks and drafts can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs, and it’s one of the least expensive upgrades you can make.
Amount of Effort: Low.
Upgrade the HVAC System
Older homes often come with outdated heating and cooling systems that are less efficient than today’s models. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system can make a world of difference in both comfort and cost savings.
- High-efficiency furnaces – If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model. A furnace with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating will use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat.
- Smart thermostats – Installing a smart thermostat can also help optimize your heating and cooling. These devices learn your schedule and adjust the temperature automatically to save energy when you’re not home.
Worth the investment? Replacing an old HVAC system with an energy-efficient model can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20-30%.
Amount of Effort: High.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
If you’re still using traditional incandescent bulbs in your home, it’s time to switch to energy-efficient lighting options like LEDs. These bulbs use significantly less electricity and last much longer.
- LED bulbs – LEDs use about 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This means fewer bulb replacements and more savings over time.
- Smart lighting – Consider smart lighting systems that allow you to schedule and control lights remotely, further reducing energy waste.
Worth the investment? LED lighting can save you up to $225 annually in energy costs, and with prices continuing to drop, they’re an affordable upgrade.
Amount of Effort: Low.
Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Older homes often have traditional water heaters with large tanks that constantly keep water warm. A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, heats water only when needed, reducing energy waste.
- Efficiency gains – Tankless water heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank heaters, especially for homes that use less than 41 gallons of hot water daily.
- Endless hot water – Another benefit is that tankless systems provide endless hot water, so you’ll never run out during showers or when doing laundry.
Worth the investment? Although tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings on energy bills make them an excellent investment for older homes.
Amount of Effort: Medium.
Consider Radiant Floor Heating
You might only consider this one if you’re undergoing major renovations, but consider radiant floor heating is an energy-efficient option. This system heats your home from the ground up, creating an even and comfortable warmth that requires less energy than traditional forced-air systems.
- Energy savings – Radiant heating systems use less energy because they heat the entire space evenly, rather than relying on ductwork that can lose heat.
- Comfort – In addition to energy savings, radiant floor heating offers superior comfort, eliminating cold spots and drafts that are common in older homes.
Worth the investment? Radiant heating systems can be a pricier upgrade, but they offer long-term energy savings and enhanced comfort, making them a worthwhile investment for older homes in the long run.
Amount of Effort: High.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
If your home still uses an older manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable model can help optimize your energy use. Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperature schedules based on your lifestyle, so your HVAC system isn’t running unnecessarily when you’re not home.
- Temperature control – You can set lower temperatures during the night or when you’re away from home, then automatically raise it when you return.
- Smart thermostats – For even greater savings, consider a smart thermostat that adjusts automatically based on weather conditions or occupancy.
Worth the investment? A programmable thermostat can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs, making it a smart, cost-effective upgrade for older homes.
Amount of Effort: Low.
By investing in these energy-efficient upgrades, homeowners of older properties can enjoy significant cost savings and enhanced comfort. NextVolt Energy is committed to helping you find the best energy solutions for your home, whether you’re looking for simple fixes or major improvements.