3 Tips For Heating An Older Home In Winter

When it comes to heating, a lot has changed since many older homes were built. In the past wood-burning fireplaces and coal furnaces were the way that many homes were heated. Now, central heating and air are standard in most new homes. If you have an older home, you may find that heating it during the winter months can be a challenge. The good news is that there are a few things that you can do to make it more comfortable during the winter months. Here are three tips for heating an older home in winter.

Install A Mini-Duct System

When it comes to central heating and air, it can be very difficult to install in older homes. Since homes were heated in different ways in the past, they often do not have room for ductwork. Installing a modern system can mean sacrificing architectural detail and ruining the look of some rooms. High-velocity mini-duct systems can meet your older home's heating and cooling needs without sacrificing style. The ducts used are 50 percent smaller than traditional ducts and easier to fit inside older homes. It can be pricey, however. The cost to have one of these systems installed ranges from $3,000 to $18,000.

Utilize Your Fireplaces

Another thing to consider when heating an older home is making use of its original heating sources. If your home has fireplaces, they can be an additional source of heat when temperatures drop. Of course, you will want to make sure they are in working order before lighting up. You may also want to upgrade your fireplace. Fireplace inserts are more energy efficient and push out heat more effectively. These inserts can be added to old fireplaces and cost between $3,000 and $4,000.

Install Radiant Heating

Another option for heating older homes is radiant heating in the flooring. Radiant floor heating is a great option for tile or stone flooring and can also be placed underneath wood flooring. Radiant heating is a great way to add additional heat in older homes effectively. If you are planning on replacing your flooring, then including a radiant heating system is something that you should consider. The average cost of a radiant heating system is between $1,720 and $5,278. You also have the choice between electric radiant and hydronic systems.

Heating an older home can be difficult during the winter months. However, there are plenty of options that can help. Installing a mini-duct system is a great way to get the heating you desire without sacrificing your home's architecture. Utilizing existing fireplaces is another great way to provide additional heat. Radiant heating is another option that works well in older homes.

For more information, contact a company like tcs heating and air.