Heating and cooling older homes
Don't be scared of an older heating or cooling system. Systems can be inspected or retrofit to maintain the integrity of your older home.
Boilers & radiators
A boiler system can be an efficient way to heat your house - if you know how to use your equipment effectively.
And if you have small children in your family, be sure to watch them closely around the radiators. You might want to wrap foam pipe insulation around pipes and valves for added safety.
Air needs to circulate underneath the radiator, so avoid pushing furniture up against the radiator or covering it draperies. If you like to have a shelf or cabinet around your radiator, make it easy to remove during the heating season.
If you paint your radiator, be sure to use the right kind of paint - choose one that's made specifically for "high-heat" applications. Otherwise it may crack or peel within a few days. Keep in mind that multiple layers of paint can also cut down on the amount of heat that reaches the room.
There is an easy way to improve the efficiency of your radiators - just add a reflecting panel behind it. You can purchase them at a home center or hardware store, or you can fashion your own with a piece of plywood and a smooth sheet of aluminum foil.
Maintenance and safety
Boiler systems need regular maintenance to keep them operating efficiently. There is a danger of scalding or steam burns when working around a boiler system, so maintenance should be left to professionals.And if you have small children in your family, be sure to watch them closely around the radiators. You might want to wrap foam pipe insulation around pipes and valves for added safety.
Radiators
Radiators usually aren't the most attractive element in the room, so most people try to disguise or hide them. But this can significantly reduce the amount of heat that reaches the room.Air needs to circulate underneath the radiator, so avoid pushing furniture up against the radiator or covering it draperies. If you like to have a shelf or cabinet around your radiator, make it easy to remove during the heating season.
If you paint your radiator, be sure to use the right kind of paint - choose one that's made specifically for "high-heat" applications. Otherwise it may crack or peel within a few days. Keep in mind that multiple layers of paint can also cut down on the amount of heat that reaches the room.
There is an easy way to improve the efficiency of your radiators - just add a reflecting panel behind it. You can purchase them at a home center or hardware store, or you can fashion your own with a piece of plywood and a smooth sheet of aluminum foil.
More from this category
Getting a new fireplace
Is it time to upgrade your fireplace? Learn how you can improve your home's efficiency with the right fireplace.
Furnace filters
Changing or cleaning your furnace filter is one of the easiest things you can do to prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning system.
Heating and cooling new homes
When planning your new home, make sure you consider newer heating and cooling technologies that could save you money.
Sealing ductwork
Leaky ductwork is one of the most common household problems. Luckily, it's easy to fix with the right materials.
Geothermal
Capturing the heat from the earth can save you big money on your energy bills. Learn how geothermal systems work.
Getting a new furnace
Shop and compare when choosing a new furnace. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label to see how one unit stacks up against another.
Installing a heating and cooling system
One of the biggest purchases a homeowner can make is to install a new furnace and air conditioner. Learn what you need to know when faced with this big decision.
Learning thermostats
Discover how the next generation of smart thermostats adjust your home’s temperature based on your behavior and weather forecasts.