From every single media source we are challenged to uncover a way of living that will ensure the longevity and wellness of our environmental, economic, and social resources. We all want to do our component, but the plethora of info about “green” living, “green” technologies and “green” architecture can be overwhelming. Lucky for those of us with historic Florida houses, our houses were built with numerous environmentally friendly assets that help us reduce energy consumption. Prior to the introduction of air conditioning, Florida builders utilized strategies that “green” designers are now advocating, such as deep covered porches and wide eaves, window awnings and shutters, and operable windows. Even though we Floridians may well not be willing to turn off our air conditioners in August, these features do permit us to make the most of Florida’s much more temperate seasons whilst lowering our energy consumption.

Front and rear porches served dual heat-related purposes for Florida homeowners prior to the introduction of air conditioning. 1st, they sheltered the major developing from the harsh sun, lowering heat gain and protecting interior furnishings from fading. In addition, porches supplied an escape from the sweltering heat inside the residence, offering a sheltered space to sit out of the sun whilst enjoying cooling breezes.

A series of techniques were used in conjunction with windows and doors to boost cooling effects. Awnings had been historically used to safeguard windows from direct sunlight thus helping to maintain interior rooms cool. Well-liked from 1870 to 1930, fabric awnings were made of canvas attached to a fixed or retractable metal frame and came in several colors and patterns to accent the home’s architecture. Metal awnings and Bahama shutters had been common beginning in the 1940s and original versions are still seen shading many houses.

Windows in older homes had been typically operable to allow cooling breezes to enter the house. They had been practically always covered with full-height screens to avoid pesky mosquito invasions. Screen doors had been also installed on all exterior doors, again permitting breezes to enter the house without having inviting bugs. Doors usually had covered overhangs when not already sheltered by a porch, protecting entrants from rain as well as sheltering the house from the sun.

In several early homes, sleeping porches were constructed for relief on hot summer nights. Normally located on an upper floor, these rooms usually either had rows of casement windows or screened openings to capture as a lot air movement as achievable. As the name implies, rows of cots were set out to present simpler sleeping conditions during hot nights.

These are only a few of the methods typically utilized in older homes that are still efficient today. We have become so reliant on air conditioning and heating that we at times forget to take advantage of the inherent excellent design discovered in our historic homes. As the weather gets much more pleasant this fall, think about taking a couple of actions to operate your historic house a lot more energy efficiently, and save some income in the process.