Before the advent of modern heating and cooling systems, home builders would design temperature control directly into a home’s layout. In warmer climates, that would often mean features such as deep porches and window awnings on the exterior, high ceilings on the interior. Colder-climate abodes positioned chimneys in central locations; some employed steeply pitched, Saltbox-style roofs to deflect northern winds.

Efficient heating and cooling remains as important today as it was 100 years ago. Of course, new-construction homes benefit from the past century’s technical and technological advancements, but even if you own an old home, there are a plenty of new ways to make the place more eco-friendly.

Recently, a reader wrote in to ask, “What are some green updates I could make to my ’20s home that are easy to retrofit?” View my video response below:

 
Visit the Just Ask Bob section to submit a question of your own!

For more on saving energy, consider:

Cut the Costs of Home Heating
How To: Save Energy At Home
Quick Tip: Power Your Home with Solar Energy