Best Way to Heat an Old House: Challenges and Top Solutions

Old homes have unique historical value and vintage aesthetic that make it hard to move out. Unfortunately, many old houses in the U.S. do not have the best HVAC systems, making it difficult to stay warm when the temperature outside drops.

New Jersey homeowners know how brutal the winters can get, and keeping warm in your old home can be challenging. Thankfully, there are ways that you can get toasty in the winter without sacrificing your home's unique vintage qualities. Determining the best way to heat an old house depends on various factors and often requires the help of local HVAC experts.

The Hillsdale furnace repair technicians at Gladiator Services know how critical it is to have a functioning heating system during New Jersey winters. Our team works hard to help homes around the state, whether new or old, maintain comfortable temperatures year-round with efficient HVAC systems.

Common Challenges for Old Homes

The primary problem facing old houses is high utility bills. About 42% of your utility bill comes from heating your home.

Older homes tend to have less efficient heating systems, drawing more energy to reach thermostat demands. This gradually increases your monthly power bill and can lead to other expenses such as frequent system repairs.

Although cost is the primary problem, various factors contribute to an old home's heating issues.

Old Windows

Old or outdated windows often lack sufficient sealing and can let in cool drafts. Rather than replacing your old windows, you can eliminate the drafts by applying a more durable and protective seal around the windows.

Old Insulation

Proper insulation is the key to keeping a home comfortable during frequent weather changes. Unfortunately, old homes tend to have weaker insulation that prevents your home from maintaining comfortable temperatures throughout the different seasons. Calling a local expert and scheduling an inspection can help you determine if your home's insulation is outdated.

Gaps in Your House

Old homes earn their drafty reputation by having various holes in the walls, attics, and basements. These construction holes let in the wind and make it difficult to keep your house warm during cold New Jersey winters. Even the fireplace can let in a cold breeze if you don't have it properly treated.

Inefficient Heating System

One of the most apparent reasons your house is uncomfortably cold in the winter is its inefficient heating system. Most old homes didn't have the latest HVAC unit and heating systems. Generally, they use old-fashioned boilers and radiators.

Older heating systems require more energy to operate and are significantly less efficient than newer ones. The less efficient a heating unit is, the harder it has to work to heat your home to comfortable temperatures.

Best Way to Heat an Old House: Solutions

Thankfully, you don't have to sacrifice your house's unique vintage characteristics to be warm in the winter. Improved heating can help you increase your energy savings and stay comfortable year-round without worrying about your next system repair.

The best way to heat an old house depends on various factors:

• The size of your house
• The age of your house
• Your heating preferences

Below are some of the top solutions HVAC experts recommend to heat an old house.

Mini-Duct Air System

Mini-duct air systems are useful for older homes as they have little impact on their physical structure. Although their primary use is for air conditioning, they can heat a home efficiently when paired with an electric furnace.

Mini-duct systems use two or two-and-a-half-inch nylon tubing that slips through the vents and carries air throughout your home. This tubing makes it a desirable addition for old homes as it is flexible enough to move around various areas of the house.

Updated Fireplace

Old, untreated fireplaces are often the root cause of an uncomfortably cool home. These days, homeowners have a wide array of fireplace styles and technology to choose from to increase energy efficiency and keep out the cold. If you prefer old-fashioned heating options in your home, you can update your fireplace.

Steam Radiators

Steam and hot water radiators are another old-fashioned heating system that thrived in the early 1900s. Despite their historical function, many companies today still offer radiator repair and services to help old homes keep their vintage personality.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heating systems use a series of tubes in the floor that carries warm water to heat the rooms in your house. You can also opt for the newer electric under-floor radiant systems, which are easy to install and offer an impressive heating capability. Many homeowners put these under the tiles of their kitchens and bathrooms since they don't rely on separate heat sources.

Sealing

As previously mentioned, holes and gaps throughout your old home's physical structure can let in cool air. The best way to heat an old house and solve this problem is to seal up the gaps and keep the wind out.

You can find most structural holes in old homes in the attic, basement, vents, and along door and window seals. Once you find the holes, use a durable sealant to improve your house's insulation and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Add insulation

Many old homes lack insulation in certain rooms, such as attics or basements. Although you may not spend a lot of time in these areas, the lack of insulation can impact the temperature of your whole house. If your old home does have insulation, the chances are that it is outdated or is not high quality.

Adding new and improved insulation to your old home can significantly improve the heating.

Is your appears to be an empty link with target https://www.gladiatorservicestoday.com/6-reasons-why-your-furnace-can-t-keep-up-with-cold-weather

 furnace not keeping up with the cold weather? Let Gladiator Services take a look and help you restore comfortable temperatures to your home.

Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of central heating or determine the best way to heat an old house, our experts can help. Schedule a system inspection in Hillsdale, NJ, by calling Gladiator Services at (201) 571-1715.