Retrofitting Older Homes

My home, just given to us, was built in 1890's. It's nearly as built: wood frame, wood shake shingles, single pane windows, no insulation, no air conditioning and small gas heaters (most modern update). I'm renovating the home and will be bringing it up to code and installing up to date energy efficient components. I'm looking for suggestions prior to purchasing.

http://www.planithardware.com/

This is a great find, I think. I love the name (Plan It -- sounds like Planet) and the concept is very unique, in my experience. There are tools, hardware, lawn and garden, plumbing, electrical, paints & sundries, housewares and cleaners - all that meet green building guidelines. The way I understand it, the website is more for retailers -- you just need to find an affiliate near you!

Quoted from their website:

"Don’t just do it yourself, Green it Yourself™

Sierra Magazine has a fantastic article on energy efficient solutions no matter your bugdet. Here is a link to the original article:

http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200707/remodeling.asp

Each Section (Space Heating | Water Heating | Cooling | Insulation | Appliances | Sustainable Materials) has 3 different approaches/budgets: A Simple Fix, More Sophisticated, and the Whole Hog. It is a must read for everyone! Here is the intro, click on the link to read the whole article.

Remodeling Right
Energy-efficient and planet-friendly solutions for every budget

I just heard that This Old House, PBS' seminal home improvement and remodeling show, has begun its first-ever green renovation. They're using as many environmentally friendly building products and methods as possible while creating a functional home on a budget for a contemporary family. The show is renovating a 1926 Craftsman bungalow in Austin, Texas, adding two bedrooms and a bathroom to the home to accommodate the homeowners' growing family.