1928 Kenyon Road, Ontario, NY

Built in 1972, 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.

Split-level homes divide living space across multiple partial floors, which can complicate air sealing because there are more floor-to-floor transitions and more exposed rim joist area. They also tend to have garage spaces that share walls with living areas, another common heat loss pathway.

Based on confirmed building data, EcoAudit estimates annual energy costs for this home at $1,950 to $3,250, 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 $600 to $1,500 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.