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Make History With HVAC - Four Retrofitting Tips for Your Heritage Home

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lillyariya
Make History With HVAC - Four Retrofitting Tips for Your Heritage Home

For many, buying and renovating a historic home is a lifelong dream. It cannot be denied; older homes have some really beautiful features that just can't be easily replicated, no matter how good your contractor is. However, if you are used to living in a more modern building, there are some drawbacks to buying a top fixer, namely that it regulates your interior temperature. Unfortunately, air conditioning units weren't available for non-commercial use until 1931, and central air conditioning didn't catch on until the 1970s. If you're looking to upgrade your HVAC, here are some helpful tips to avoid spoiling the timeless look. of his new abode.

1. make use of existing functions

Before the discovery of evaporative cooling and the advent of freon, our ancestors had to employ architectural elements to help insulate their homes. As you work on your project, take note of these attributes. Does the house have shutters? Porches? Awnings Are you protected from the sun by overhanging trees? While these things won't make HVAC unnecessary, they will help conserve energy once your new unit is installed.

2. It's great to isolate

Older buildings often lack decent insulation. Something as simple as installing fiberglass or cellulose siding in your attic or basement can reduce your heating bill by up to 50 percent. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you may also want to investigate insulating your home's walls with rolls of wadding. Not only will this help you stay comfortable, but it will also reduce noise, which can be a problem in older homes with drywall or traditional lathes and plaster LLC.

3. Use space wisely

Due to the unique architectural features of historic buildings, you may not have as much space to fit bulky outdoor units or internal ducts. One way to solve this potential problem is to ask an expert to make use of areas of the house that you may not have thought of: closets, cupboards under stairs, any existing vertical shafts, or underground vaults when possible. Multi-zone HVAC units work well in compact locations, so consult a specialist to see what can be done with the available space.

4. Maximum control with mini-ducts

Worried about altering the aesthetics of your home with large, annoying vents and / or huge, unsightly window units? Do not care anymore! Advances in technology have given us the mini-duct system. These types of products, which are easily installed in even the smallest attic spaces, work by circulating air more quickly through two-inch pre-insulated pipes, which can be easily hidden behind wall structures. Since air circulates very quickly, a vacuum is formed that more effectively mixes the air in the room, avoiding the stratification effect that can occur with slower moving traditional HVAC systems. Mini-ducts also remove up to 30 percent more moisture from the room, keeping it cooler and keeping costs low.

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