173 Athol Road, Thurman, NY

Built in 1961, this home was constructed just before the energy crisis forced builders and code writers to start paying attention to insulation. Homes from this period in Onondaga County typically have R-11 or less in the walls - if anything at all - and attic insulation that may have been added or upgraded at some point but rarely meets today's R-49 recommendation for climate zone 6A. The mechanical systems have usually been replaced once, but the envelope is often original.

Multi-family properties like this one present a specific energy management challenge: the costs of heating and hot water are often shared or distributed across units, which can make it harder to track where money is going. Common areas, shared mechanical systems, and units with more exterior exposure all contribute differently to the overall energy load.

Based on confirmed building data, EcoAudit estimates annual energy costs for this home at $600 to $1,050, assuming natural gas heating and typical usage patterns for Central New York. A targeted set of improvements - usually starting with attic insulation, air sealing, and possibly equipment upgrades - could reduce that by $200 to $450 per year. New York State and National Grid offer rebates that cover a meaningful share of weatherization costs for homeowners in Onondaga County. A free EcoAudit assessment identifies exactly where this home is losing energy and which programs apply.