How To Make Your Old Home More Energy-Efficient
We love old houses. But we don’t love watching heat (and money) leak out the windows all winter. If your home was built before energy efficiency was even a concept, don’t worry: there are smart ways to make your home far more comfortable—and less expensive to run—without losing the character that drew you to it in the first place.
At Tusk Builders, we work on older homes every day, and energy upgrades are one of the most impactful investments you can make. Here’s where we typically see the biggest opportunities—and how we balance efficiency with charm.
Why Older Homes Are Less Energy-Efficient
Old homes weren’t built with modern energy standards in mind—but that doesn’t mean the people who designed them weren’t thinking about comfort.
In fact, many Victorian- and early 20th-century homes were built to be efficient for their time. Radiators offered steady, even heat. Floor plans encouraged air flow in the summer. Stained glass softened light and filtered heat. And shutters weren’t just decorative—they served as practical climate control. Solid paneled shutters helped with shade and insulation, while louvered styles let in breezes while blocking direct sunlight.
The problem is that what worked then doesn’t always work now. A few usual suspects:
Single-pane windows that let heat escape and cold air creep in.
Little to no insulation in attics, basements and walls (sometimes even newspaper, which was a common low-cost insulator in the 1920s and 1930s).
Gaps and cracks around doors, chimneys and foundations.
Outdated heating systems that work overtime to keep up with Minnesota winters.
The result? A home that’s harder to heat and cool, and expensive to run. On the upside, there’s plenty of room for improvement! Thoughtful upgrades can transform a drafty old house into one that feels modern in comfort and performance, yet timeless in character.
Start with the Envelope: Windows & Insulation
Think of your home’s envelope (walls, windows, doors, roof) as its winter coat. If it’s full of holes, all the heating (and cooling) in the world won’t keep you comfortable.
One of the single biggest upgrades? Replacing old windows with high-quality double-paned options. In our Modern Tudor project, we installed Pella double-pane windows, which not only improved insulation but also cut down significantly on airplane noise in the area. These particular windows use a variable-thickness glass pane that interrupts sound vibrations, making the home both quieter and cozier.
We also use spray foam insulation around the perimeter of new windows, which helps eliminate drafts and strengthens the overall house envelope.
Another game-changer is closed-cell spray foam insulation. It’s a dense material (think: the inside of a Yeti cooler) that works as both a vapor barrier and an insulator. Sealing up tiny cracks and air leaks keeps conditioned air inside where it belongs—helping your home use far less energy for heating and cooling.
While older spray foams earned a reputation for being environmentally harmful, today’s eco-friendly spray foam insulation products have come a long way. Newer options, like Natural Polymers HFO, contain fewer harmful chemicals and are safer for both people and the planet. We prefer working with these modern formulations for obvious reasons: they deliver powerful performance without compromising environmental responsibility.
Mechanical Upgrades That Make a Difference
Once your home is buttoned up, it’s time to look at the systems that heat your house and deliver hot water. We often recommend:
Power vent water heaters: more efficient than traditional models
High-efficiency gas furnaces: especially useful in Minnesota winters
Cold-weather heat pumps: newer models can provide both heating and cooling, even when temps dip close to 0°F. They’re especially effective during Minnesota’s shoulder seasons, when you don’t need the furnace running full-blast but still want reliable warmth.
Together, these upgrades don’t just lower utility bills—they dramatically improve comfort. You’ll notice fewer temperature swings, more consistent heating and cooling, and less humidity fluctuation throughout your home.
Balancing Charm with Efficiency
One of the joys of living in an old home is its original details—leaded glass, wood trim, quirky nooks. We believe in protecting those whenever possible. But sometimes, preserving original features means making thoughtful trade-offs.
A good example: In our East Isles Victorian project, the home has an original stained-glass piano window in the now-remodeled kitchen above the sink. It was always going to stay in its place, but extra insulation was added around that window and into the surrounding walls after we opened up the space. Two Anderson windows were added to that room, and the new and the old coexist beautifully.
Our rule of thumb? Prioritize upgrades where they’ll make the biggest difference (windows, insulation, mechanicals) while being selective about architectural details that give the home its soul.
Other Smart Upgrades to Consider
Not every energy efficiency project has to be a major renovation. Here are a few smaller swaps and updates that can still make a meaningful difference:
Programmable or smart thermostats: Heat and cool your home only when you need to for energy and cost savings.
LED lightbulbs: A simple swap with a big impact on long-term energy use.
Energy-efficient appliances: From dishwashers to washers and dryers, upgrading outdated appliances can cut utility costs.
Low-flow fixtures: Look into showerheads, faucets and toilets that use less water without sacrificing pressure or comfort.
Electrical panel updates: If your home’s panel is outdated, upgrading can open the door for modern systems like EV chargers, induction ranges or future heat pump installations.
Solar panels: For homeowners ready to go further, solar can significantly reduce reliance on grid power, especially when paired with other efficiency improvements.
How to Approach Energy Upgrades in an Old House
Energy efficiency upgrades don’t have to happen all at once. Start with a plan:
Get a home energy audit (or blower door test). These assessments pinpoint where your home is losing the most energy, so you know what to tackle first.
Work with professionals who understand old homes. Older houses are quirky, and cookie-cutter solutions don’t always fit. We know how to balance original charm with modern performance.
Layer efficiency upgrades into larger remodels. If you’re already opening up walls for a kitchen renovation or replacing siding, it’s the perfect time to add insulation, update windows or upgrade systems
Explore tax incentives and rebates that might be available to you in your state. These can change from year to year.
Every old home is unique, but if you’re looking for a simple roadmap, here’s how we usually recommend approaching energy efficiency projects:
Seal the envelope: Address insulation, windows and doors.
Upgrade mechanicals: Invest in efficient heating, cooling and hot water systems.
Make smart swaps: Layer in lower-cost upgrades like weatherstripping, LEDs or new appliances.
Preserve character: Keep or restore unique architectural elements that make your home special.
Together, these steps create a clear path to a home that’s more efficient, comfortable and still full of character.
Energy efficiency might not be as exciting as a kitchen remodel, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make—for your comfort now and your resale value later. More and more buyers are looking for efficient homes, which means the work you put in now doesn’t just pay off on your utility bills, but it also helps your home stand out if you decide to sell down the line.
Planning a remodel? We’ll help you strike the right balance of comfort, energy efficiency and character. Let’s talk.