There are plenty of home improvement ideas you can explore if you want to freshen up your old house. Some people opt for renovations or extensions, while others will redesign the entire interior to create a modern style that feels just right. However, some improvements might be more crucial. Efficiency is a must for any home, yet older properties struggle to provide the efficient benefits you need. If you live in an old home, consider these tips to boost efficiency and improve your comfort.
Seal Gaps and Improve Insulation
While new builds feel robust, with not a single brick out of place, old properties are a little more free-form. The bricks don’t always align, and the decades of battering from the elements have worn down some parts and created small but noticeable gaps.
These gaps encourage draughts and animals, such as slugs and spiders to set up shop in your home. What’s more, worn-down insulation can cause up to 35% heat loss, meaning you need to crank up the cheating even more. Sealing gaps and upgrading the insulation should be a priority for anyone who has recently moved into a new home as it solves an immediate problem.
Check Features and Functions
Many old houses still use the same functions and features that were there when they were first built. Even if some have been upgraded, these may still be from around 3o or 40 years ago.
If left unchecked, your home could be at risk, so regular boiler maintenance, checking the pipes (and learning where the stop tap is) should prevent property damage. And keep the home safe without wasting energy and water.
Replace Doors and Windows
The windows and doors are two other elements that can affect how efficient your old house is. If the property still has single glazing with wooden frames, upgrading to the best windows for energy efficiency may appeal to you.
Likewise, old and creaking doors can interfere with your relaxation or concentration. You may only need to realign these doors, which shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re an experienced DIYer. The sooner you upgrade and fix these problems, the sooner you will feel comfortable.
Upgrade the Lighting
Lighting and wiring in old homes are often not up to par with the lighting or wiring you are used to in other houses. You may hear a slight buzzing around the sockets and switches, or the installed bulbs may lack the energy-efficient benefits that modern bulbs offer.
While a rewiring job can be substantial and disruptive, it might be worth it in the long run, especially as no one wants to get zapped when plugging their charger in. you can also replace all the bulbs around the house with energy-efficient alternatives, which should save you some moment on energy bills.
This Old Home
People moving into old homes expect some creaks here or a draught there. Still, you want your home to be as comfortable, cosy or cool as possible. If you’ve recently moved into an older property and feel like it’s not perfect just yet, these tips should help make it feel more like home.
One more thing: it’s crucial to observe safety precautions before you perform repairs and install the much-needed upgrades. Donning protective personal protective equipment (PPE) protects you from common hazards, such as cuts, wiring incidents, chemical spills, and falling debris. For specialized work such as welding, which can be risky for those around you, it’s necessary to set up a welding curtain and other protective coverings.
