202 Howe Road, Lake Luzerne, NY

The 1970s brought the first real energy codes to New York State, which means a home from this era is likely better insulated than its older neighbors - but "better than 1965" is a low bar. Homes from this period typically have R-11 wall insulation and varying attic levels depending on when they were built and whether improvements have been made since. They're also the era of the first wave of replacement windows, many of which are now 30-plus years old and performing well below their original specifications.

Older-style homes in this area often reflect the construction norms of their decade: good bones, but insulation levels and window performance that made sense when energy was cheap and nobody was thinking about heating bills the way we do today.

Based on confirmed building data, EcoAudit estimates annual energy costs for this home at $1,500 to $2,550, 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 $450 to $1,100 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.