My house was originally built in the mid 1800s and still includes original features.
I adore the hardwood floors, railings, staircase, moldings and doors.
I like the high ceilings, big windows and stained glass. However, the house has presented some challenges. We needed to install a whole new breaker panel and have all of the wiring replaced to keep up with modern demands for electricity. We gradually upgraded all of the galvanized, corroded plumbing pipes to PVC. We’ve installed Energy Star rated windows and exterior doors. One of our biggest concerns was temperature control. The house was constructed before the invention of forced air heating and cooling systems. There was no ductwork installed. I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of tearing down walls and ceilings for the sake of a duct system. Plus, some of the walls have the studs turned sideways and are too narrow to accommodate conventional ductwork. For quite a few years, we struggled with a collection of window air conditioners, box fans and portable electric heaters. The extreme weather in the local area and lack of centralized temperature control meant that the house was uncomfortable all year round. I really hated the look and inefficiency of our collection of heating and cooling equipment. A couple of years ago, I finally discovered high-velocity heating and cooling. This type of system is designed specifically to retrofit easily into older homes. It includes ductwork that is only two inches in diameter and flexible enough to snake through existing walls and ceilings without damage. I am absolutely thrilled to have a thermostat to control comfort throughout the whole home.