We all want to have a home that is as energy efficient as possible, whether we live in a hot or cold climate. What if you live in an old historical home? Are there any ways of updating the home to be as energy efficient as you can? Can this be done without 
ruining the character of the home?
Here are some of the more successful retrofits usually used in old homes
One way to greatly improve energy conservation is insulation. The attic space is the easiest thing to insulate. Insulating crawlspaces can also be done, but it is much more difficult to do than the attic.
All of you who have lived in an old home will know that they can be extremely drafty. Weather stripping is a good option and can be used to seal up gaps and cracks in joints etc. When doing this, though, make sure to choose colors that fit the age of the building.
Windows are among the major culprits when it comes to drafts. Try to only replace a window if it is extremely damaged. Instead of replacing the beautiful historic windows, storm windows can be added. These are a good choice, as they will not cause problems to the homes structure. When placed on the exterior of the building, paint them so that they fit in, and are in keeping with the rest of the home. If the climate is really cold, a storm door can also be added.
Another very good option when it comes to reducing energy costs is to replace old appliances with new ENERGY STAR rated appliances. This should also have a low impact structurally. Replacing bulbs with CFL bulbs is another easy but important way to conserve energy.
Do your research ahead of time so that you choose the right way to retrofit your beautiful old home.
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