Our beautiful September weather (in Rochester, anyway) has just turned blustery and cold! As the weather changes, you may be thinking about making your house more energy efficient. The National Trust recently put together an excellent Weatherization Guide for Older and Historic Buildings to help homeowners with this very topic. Here you’ll find practical information on a variety of topics, including:

• How and why to start with a home energy audit
• Windows, windows, windows: why they matter, how to identify window types, how to decide when to repair or replace, how to make simple and low-cost repairs, and more
• A guide to the various incentives for weatherization
• A nifty illustration of the features of old houses that provide protection against cold weather (those 19th-century builders knew what they were doing!)
• Tips and strategies for specific parts of your house, including the roof, insulation, and mechanical systems
• And for any other questions, a very thorough “Whole House Resource Guide” with case studies, articles, and much more.

Of course, we have plenty of resources here in Rochester as well! Check out our publication Rehab Rochester, especially Chapter 6: Energy Conservation. You’ll also want to attend our “Your Old House” workshop series, coming up in October and November. This fall’s topics include sensible (and sensitive) options for heating and cooling old houses, sustainable and green practices to make your house more energy efficient, siding repair, and lead-safe work practices.

Posted by Katie Eggers Comeau, Director of Preservation Services