Weatherization of Historic Buildings: Develop a Plan

Developing a plan tailored specifically to your building, site, climate, and occupancy will be an effective tool in reducing energy consumption. By broadening your scope to include not just the building envelope but also systems, appliances, and lighting, you can also develop a more comprehensive energy-efficiency plan. Any work should be evaluated based on its effect on the historic building and its potential to increase energy efficiency. After first conducting an energy audit, the following are common energy conservation measures that should be considered for most historic buildings:

• Eliminate air infiltration.
• Select efficient heating, cooling, and electrical systems with programmable controls.
• Select efficient appliances.
• Repair and upgrade windows and doors.
• Install insulation in the attic, basement or crawlspace and around pipes and ducts.
• Add shading devices (awnings and trees).

Next article: Eliminate air infiltration