Insulating Old Houses

Heating and cooling account for up to 70 percent of the energy used in an average home. Older homes are likely to use more energy than newer ones, leading to higher heating and cooling bills. One way to make an older house more energy efficient is by adding insulation.

In some older homes with plaster walls, like the one in Lake City, their only cost-effective option may be to insulate the attic. But often the age of the house presents obstacles that require additional precaution when adding insulation. If the house was built between 1930 and 1950, asbestos could have been used in the original insulation. If you're unsure, call a qualified contractor before doing any work. If you are installing the insulation yourself:

• lay it down loosely - houses need to breathe
  
• don't cover lighting fixtures in the ceiling unless they're stamped rated for insulation contact - that's a fire hazard

Proper insulation is important for any home. But with older homes, a little extra care will go a long way toward safety and toward reducing energy bills.