I’ve mentioned the weatherization grant for which we were approved. It’s sponsored by my power company, National Grid, and my county (Oneida) in New York. You can read about the energy audit I had here, and a little more about the grant here. I am very grateful that something like this is available; even the smallest efforts have helped immensely. I received up to 10 of those fancy compact flourescent bulbs (they last as long as ten years and save scads of energy), and had some insulating done here. They would have insulated the walls of the house, but because there are bricks in between the studs, they coulldn’t. 
That would have saved me $7,000. Oh well.
So they pulled into the driveway this morning with their huge van that looked more like a New York Moving Company van. All their “stuff” was in there. The two workers were very friendly; they took all day but the job looks so good! And it costs me nothing! They insulated the rim joists, which is that area where the top of the stone foundation and the bottom of the wooden structure of the house rest. It’s a major heat sink. I think they did a marvelous job! I’m so glad I didn’t have to do it, lol.
I am especially happy about the rim joist insulation. I never would have done it so well like they did (with reflective foam board). They did accidentally spray foam on some of the wiring, though. I’ll have to replace the foam when I pull out that wiring, when I update the electric (someday, lol).
They also screwed thick foam onto my basement doors and my attic hatch, and re-cemented the hole in my chimney where the hot water tank pipe goes in.
They even cut holes for the lock latch and for the kitty cat pet door we have, for our kitty. 
8. July 2008 at 10:46 am
Wow that is so great to get all of that stuff done to your house for free. That will really help the fuel bill in winter.
8. July 2008 at 12:41 pm
Wow! I found your site through Entrecard and can’t wait to read all about your house. I’m in the Los Angeles area now, but hope to eventually move back home to upstate NY. I’m from Dansville, and I’d like to go back there or to Lyons. Lyons is even older and smaller than Dansville
. I’m also hoping for a mid 1800′s house to renovate – no matter how much work and frustration. Sounds like you’re living my dream!
Karen
20. August 2008 at 12:42 pm
I am especially happy about the rim joist insulation. I never would have done it so well like they did (with reflective foam board). They did accidentally spray foam on some of the wiring, though. I’ll have to replace the foam when I pull out that wiring, when I update the electric (someday, lol).
20. September 2008 at 2:18 pm
I’m from Dansville, and I’d like to go back there or to Lyons. Lyons is even older and smaller than Dansville
. I’m also hoping for a mid 1800’s house to renovate – no matter how much work and frustration. Sounds like you’re living my dream!