Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning for Your Old Home
The book is written for the homeowner and doesn’t expect that homeowners will be able to to do what only a licensed technician can do. In this regard, the tasks and procedures outlined in the book are all intended to be within the skillset of the average homeowner.
HVAC The final chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning” concerns itself with the use of HVAC systems in homes. An explanation of HVAC is offered and the many types of HVAC systems are discussed. Evaporative coolers are also discussed with recommendations given for installation types. Heat pumps are explained and how [...]
Air Quality In this chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors busy themselves with explaining certain factors that can influence the air quality. They also concern themselves with the placement of the house and certain exterior design qualities. Homeowners are encouraged to keep the “envelope” of the home in good [...]
Heating Water In this chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors concern themselves with water heaters. It is explained that heating water in an efficient manner is a mark of a civilized society. First, gas water heaters are discussed. The burner is located beneath the tank and natural gas is [...]
Direct Heat In this chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” Richard Trethewey and Don Best inform the reader of the variety of direct heating systems available. Direct heat systems are space heaters, pipeless wall and floor furnaces, wood and gas fireplaces, wood stoves, radiant electric, and baseboard electric resistance heating. Baseboard [...]
Heat From Water In this chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors plunge into the subject of heating water through hydronic systems. It is important to note the use of hydronic systems is very popular in the northeast area of the US. During the 18th century, it was popular to [...]
Heating Forced Air In chapter six of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors move into the concepts surrounding the installation of heating systems. Warm air systems are systems that have ducts, a central furnace, and a fan that propels air through the ducts. The authors stress the notion that maintenance is [...]
Let the Sun Shine In In the 18th and 19th centuries, builders made use of the sun, prevailing winds, and local terrain when creating long lasting homes. They knew how to respond to the environmental elements when it came to designing the floor plan, windows, doors, stairwells, and transoms. Using the impact of natural elements [...]
Do These Things First! In this chapter of the book “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” the authors are interested in making it clear the first thing that must take place in an installation or reconstruction is the conservative use of insulation and other weatherization techniques. Essentially, the authors stress the importance of [...]
Who's the Boss? In this chapter of “This Old House, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning”the authors concern themselves with aspects of the contractor hiring process. It is understood that some homeowners like to be involved in the installation of features or the entire build of their home. Although participation is encouraged, it is also mentioned [...]
The Comforts of Home We humans like our dwellings to be comfortable. We put ourselves inside these structures and begin creating our own unique living situation. We have learned to install machines, technology, and features that keep us in some kind of balance. When the weather outside is not conducive to comfort, we take that [...]