....Masonry/Wood/Architectural Metals

Insulating attic and installing replacement composition roof on 1920s house.

Installing thermal insulation in attics and in unheated cellars and crawlspaces to increase the efficiency of the existing mechanical systems.

Installing insulating material on the inside of masonry walls to increase energy efficiency where there is no character-defining interior molding around the window or other interior architectural detailing.

Applying thermal insulation with a high moisture content into wall cavities which may damage historic fabric.

Installing wall insulation without considering its effect on interior molding or other architectural detailing.

....Windows

Well-maintained louvered shutters allow for ventilation and privacy.

Utilizing the inherent energy conserving features of a building by maintaining windows and louvered blinds in good operable condition for natural ventilation.

Improving thermal efficiency with weatherstripping, storm windows, caulking, interior shades, and if historically appropriate, blinds and awnings.

Storm doors added on inside of historic doors.

Installing interior storm windows with air-tight gaskets, ventilating holes, and/or removable clips to insure proper maintenance and to avoid condensation damage to historic windows.

Removing historic shading devices rather than keeping them in an operable condition.

Replacing historic multi-paned sash with new thermal sash utilizing false muntins.

Installing interior storm windows that allow moisture to accumulate and damage the window.

Historic windows (left) on primary elevation inappropriately replaced with tinted glazing (right). Photo: Mike Jackson.

Installing new exterior storm windows which are inappropriate in size or color.

Replacing windows or transoms with fixed thermal glazing or permitting windows and transoms to remain inoperable rather than utilizing them for their energy conserving potential.

....Entrances and Porches

Porch that reduces heat gain from sun.

Maintaining porches and double vestibule entrances so that they can retain heat or block the sun and provide natural ventilation.

Changing the historic appearance of the building by enclosing porches.

....Interior Features

Operable over-the-door transom providing cross ventilation.

Retaining historic interior shutters
and transoms for their inherent
energy- conserving features.

Removing historic interior features which play a secondary energy conserving role.

....Mechanical Systems

Improving energy efficiency of existing mechanical systems by installing insulation in attics and basements.

Replacing existing mechanical systems that could be repaired for continued use.

....Building Site

Lush vegetation that mitigates warm climatic conditions. Photo: Courtesy, Olmsted NHS.

Retaining plant materials, trees, and landscape features, especially those which perform passive solar energy functions such as sun shading and wind breaks.

Removing plant materials, trees, and landscape features, that perform passive solar energy functions.

....Setting (District or Neighborhood)

Trees planted to shade historic property. Courtesy, Olmsted NHS.

Maintaining those existing landscape features which moderate the effects of the climate on the setting
such as deciduous trees, evergreen wind-blocks, and lakes or ponds.

Stripping the setting of landscape features and landforms so that effects of the wind, rain, and sun result in accelerated deterioration of the historic building.

....New Additions to Historic Buildings

Placing a new addition that may be necessary to increase energy efficiency on non-character-defining elevations.

Designing a new addition which obscures, damages, or destroys character-defining features.