My husband and I were absolutely ecstatic when we were able to purchase a home included on the historical register.
The house still has a lot of the original features.
The hardwood floors and staircase are absolutely beautiful. All of the interior and exterior doors are solid wood. However, the home presents some challenges. When we moved in, there was no central heating or cooling system. The previous owners were handling temperature control with electric baseboard heaters in the winter and window air conditioners in the summer. The portable heating and cooling equipment is not only an eyesore but not effective. We live in an area with severe weather. It’s not unusual to face sub zero temperatures in the winter and brutal heat and humidity in the summer. My husband and I looked into the possibility of installing a conventional forced air system with ductwork. We’d have needed to tear down the original walls and ceilings. This would have created a huge mess, destroyed architectural integrity and cost us a fortune. There was also some concern over whether the width of our walls would accommodate traditional ductwork. The HVAC contractor recommended a high velocity heating and cooling system. This alternative is designed specifically for older homes. It features ductwork that is only three inches in diameter. The pipes are flexible and can be routed through the walls and around obstacles without damage. Vent covers that are only six inches across can be located just about anywhere and come in a variety of styles. The actual equipment is compact and can be installed into a closet or attic.