Energy Conservation with Old Houses
Michael Blasnik, an independent consultant for over 25 years, specializing in energy efficiency, building science, and weatherization, conducted a study in Upstate New York. He found that people who had replaced their windows -- which can cost $10,000 and more for an entire house -- saved about $40 on their annual heating bills. At these rates, homeowners wouldn't see a net cost savings for another 250 years! Old wood windows, however, were built to be repairable. The Fine Homebuilding Magazine April/May 2010 article, "Should Your Old Wood Windows Be Saved?" is an illustrated problem-and-solution guide that is available at the Anacortes Library (Fine Homebuilding 210, pp 40-43). Also, "New Life for Old Double-Hung Windows", by John Michael Davis is available at the Anacortes Library (Fine Homebuilding,Dec 2007-Jan 2008. pp.76-79).
"Repairing Old and Historic Windows" by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, published by The Preservation Press (1992), ISBN 0-89133-18509, is also available in the Museum's Research Library.
The Journal of Light Construction makes every article they have ever published available to members on line. Of particular note is "Restoring Old Windows", by Dixon Kerr. July 2007; pp 95 – 103.
King County has produced a paper that provides basic information about weatherizing historic buildings. "Energy conservation by the numbers" lists various factors, many of which are often overlooked, that affect total energy usage as well a pie chart of where heat is typically lost in old houses.
Keep Warm and Keep Those Windows!! is a somewhat more technical perspective of energy conservation in old houses produced by this Board.
Preservation Brief 9 speaks to weatherization and repair of historic wooden windows. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation also includes advice about improving the energy efficiency of historic buildings.
The University of Nebraska has produced this helpful guidance on the appropriate uses of the various types of weatherstripping that are available.
The National Trust has an on-line interactive weatherization guide and an extensive listing of General Weatherization Links & Resources.
Read about the Salem, Mass., Joseph Story House which became one of the first LEED-certified National Historic Landmarks in EcoHome Magazine.