Let’s be real—most old buildings weren’t exactly built with energy efficiency in mind. Drafty windows, leaky roofs, insulation that might as well be nonexistent—these places have character, sure, but they’re also a nightmare when it comes to keeping energy bills low and comfort levels high.
That’s where EnerPHit comes in. It’s a standard developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI) for upgrading existing buildings to near-Passive House performance. And if you know anything about us at Outlook Builds, you know we’re obsessed with making old buildings not just livable but exceptional. So, let’s talk about why EnerPHit matters, how it aligns with our core principles, and what it means for the future of construction.
When we take on a renovation project, we don’t just slap on a new coat of paint and call it a day. We believe that restoring a building should also mean upgrading it for the next century, not just preserving its past. And let’s be honest—if your building is hemorrhaging heat in the winter and sucking in humidity all summer, how much charm does that really have?
EnerPHit provides a structured path to fixing these problems without gutting a building down to the studs. It’s about precision, not demolition. That means airtight construction, high-performance insulation, and smart ventilation strategies that make old buildings work like modern ones—without losing their soul.
At Outlook Builds, we follow a simple but unshakable priority framework:
EnerPHit checks every box.
EnerPHit isn’t just an add-on—it’s the missing link between preserving historic buildings and making them functional for modern living.
Short answer: Not as much as you’d think.
Look, we won’t pretend upgrading an old building to meet Passive House or EnerPHit standards is the cheapest option upfront. But here’s the thing—if you’re already tearing into a building to replace a roof, upgrade insulation, or install new windows, why not do it right?
Plus, when you factor in long-term savings on energy bills (think 70-90% lower heating and cooling costs), reduced maintenance, and the fact that buildings retrofitted to EnerPHit standards hold their value better than standard renovations, the numbers start making a lot more sense.
Nope. Passive House is often associated with new builds, but EnerPHit was designed specifically for existing buildings. It recognizes that you can’t always start from scratch, so it focuses on making the most impactful upgrades possible.
Not true. EnerPHit uses a component approach, meaning you can phase in upgrades over time—better windows this year, improved insulation next year, and an airtight roof when it makes sense.
Actually, EnerPHit isn’t just about extreme cold or heat—it’s about stability. Even in mild climates, an EnerPHit retrofit means better indoor air quality, more consistent temperatures, and lower utility bills year-round.
We’re not just talking about it—we’re doing it. Our projects focus on bringing buildings up to modern efficiency standards without sacrificing their character. Whether it’s a historic brick row house or a mid-century commercial space, we apply EnerPHit principles to ensure our renovations aren’t just cosmetic—they’re functional, durable, and efficient.
Some key strategies we implement:
The way we see it, retrofitting old buildings to EnerPHit standards isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With rising energy costs and increasing climate concerns, the idea of maintaining inefficient, high-consumption buildings just doesn’t hold up anymore.
And for investors? The math is getting clearer every year: high-performance buildings hold their value, rent more easily, and cost less to operate. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make your house more livable or a developer thinking long-term, EnerPHit is an approach worth considering.
At Outlook Builds, we don’t just want to renovate buildings—we want to rebuild the way people think about renovations. EnerPHit is a big part of that, because it’s not just about saving money or cutting emissions (though those are big perks). It’s about building spaces that truly work for the people who live in them—comfortable, resilient, and ready for the future.
So if you’re thinking about a renovation, think beyond aesthetics. A beautiful home is great, but a beautiful home that’s comfortable, efficient, and built to last? That’s the real goal.
