Old homes may radiate beauty and charm, but they often suffer from poor temperature regulation. This can make them uncomfortable to live in, especially during the cold winter months. Unlike today's airtight homes, many old houses have a natural ventilation system.
Many old houses lack insulation for several reasons: Building Practices: When many older homes were built, particularly before the mid-20th century, insulation was not a common practice. Builders often relied on the natural thermal mass of materials like brick and stone to regulate temperature.
Insulating an old house can significantly improve its comfort and energy efficiency while preserving its historic charm. However, you'll need to approach this task carefully to avoid damaging your home or creating moisture problems.
Older homes shift and settle over the years, creating gaps, cracks, and leaks where cold air can seep in. Leaks are most common around window and door frames.
Old houses are drafty because they are made from brick and other materials that shifted over the years and creates lots of tiny holes along with some larger cracks. This issue can be mitigated by a complete tuck pointing (which is rarely done), and installing new modern windows that are properly reframing and sealed.
Most of the houses built in the 1970's have insulation although we have found houses in Southern California with no insulation through 1974. They typically have R-19 or about 4 inches of insulation.
If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.
Back in the old days, framing was done with hardwoods like walnut and oak. These dense timbers resisted water intrusion and lasted a hell of a lot longer than woods used today. Second, houses were often overbuilt, being more sturdy and durable than they are today. And finally, the craftsmanship of the old days is lost.
Based on new research, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) estimates that roughly 90% of existing U.S. homes are under-insulated. That means that the occupants are less comfortable, and both energy and money are being wasted.
When floors, ceilings and walls are cold to touch, it's a sure-fire sign that your home is under-insulated. All these parts of your home should feel dry and warm. Conversely, your external walls should be cold, as great insulation keeps the warmth within your home.
Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. To determine whether you should add insulation, you first need to find out how much insulation you already have in your home and where it is.
Uninsulated external walls can also cause structural damage to your home over time. When water penetrates the walls, it can freeze and expand, causing cracks and weakening the structure of the wall. This can lead to more significant problems, such as collapsing walls, which can be dangerous.
Your house and attic insulation can wear down over time. Your house also may have hidden attics that aren't properly insulated or uninsulated garage walls that are attached to your home, and this can cause problems with heat escape, unwanted airflow, and drafts.
Your metabolism slows. It's normal for your metabolic rate to decrease, and along with it, your body's response to the cold. For example, certain body receptors may not work as quickly to tell your blood vessels to constrict and maintain your body temperature. The fat layers under the skin start to thin.
The recommended thermostat setting for summer is 72 to 78 degrees. On long, hot summer days it's tempting to push your air conditioning to the max — but be careful. Heating and cooling typically makes up the largest energy expenditures in a household.
The most frequent cause of a drafty home is improper air sealing and leaks from your doors and windows, says Josh Lake, co-founder at Elephant Energy. “This is especially true in older homes where windows and doors can warp, creating gaps that allow cold air to leak in,” he says.
Open doors allow warm air to circulate evenly, preventing hot and cold spots and reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Closed doors can block airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs.