I spend a fortune keeping my Eichler warm in the winter. How can I reduce my heating bills?
Eichler homes were built at a time when energy was cheap (monthly utility bills of $10!), and few people gave any thought to conservation. In the ’50s, many experts predicted that nuclear power would create electricity that would be “too cheap to meter”. We all know that didn’t happen. Nowadays energy conservation is critical, and Eichlers clearly fail in that area. Fortunately, their insulation deficiencies can be addressed. If you have an Eichler with the original style tar-and-gravel roof, single-pane glass, and original insulation in the exterior walls, here’s what you can do, in order of importance. The single biggest impact you can make is probably to have a modern insulated roof installed. This will keep your house warmer in the winter (remember, heat rises) and cooler in the summer. More information. After that step is taken, those beautiful walls of single-pane glass are your biggest energy wasters. Original Eichler glass is less than R-1 in insulating value, while modern doub
