oldhouseman
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2007
- Messages
- 838
Thanks Toggleswitch for the suggestion of this thread. This is a fantastic site for sharing information.
I live in a house built in 1797. The interior walls are thick plaster and ceilings of various heights. The house was built by a fellow who served with George Washington in the American Revolution, Dr. Timothy Rossiter. He sold the house in 1811 to a family that kept it (through material lines) until I bought it two years ago. The house was pretty much intact as it was in 1805.
When I closed on the house I was facing a major restoration effort. The plumbing and electric was installed in 1910. I replaced those systems this past spring (I replaced the 1910 installation). I did not install central heat or air conditioning.
This past summer in Georgia was a record heat wave. Some days got up to 105! My house inside stayed under 75 degrees! This is what I attribute it to; first the house faces South and catches morning sun on the east side. I kept the shutters closed in the first half of the day on that side of the house. In the afternoon the sun was really hot and bright. I kept the shutters closed on the west side of the house (and the louvers open somewhat)in the afternoon hours into night.
As in the 19th century I take up the persian rugs and take down the drapes. The house has a center hall so the doors may be opened for fresh air and light as needed. Yes, the house stays a bit on the dim side in the summer inside.
But it stays very comfortable. When it is hot outside (90 plus )my home is cool and inviting.
I have not made any big changes in the house. Nor did any previous owner. The house is pretty much the way it was in 1805 in almost every detail except for the update in plumbing and electric.
My neighbors also have old homes (the entire town is comprised of antebellum and victorian houses). Most have installed central heat and air. They pay an average of $480.00 a month to heat and air-condition their homes.
My summer gas bill ran me 13 to 15 dollars a month this past year. My winter bill, with gas logs in the fireplaces...and I only heat the room(s) I am using might get up to $100.00 a month. I paid $33.00 last month.
Now, after all my rambling...Would any of you guys install central heat and air conditioning in the house? My neighbors think I am off my rocker to live by 19th century standards.
I am saving a boatload of money. I don't understand why they want to air-condition and heat every inch of their house???
I tend to lean toward 18th and 19th century ways of living but I am taken with some of the new inventions. I have to admit I bought solar outside flood lamps and put them outside during the day. I bring the lights in at night. A great way to light the house without turning on an electric switch.
My kitchen is the old kitchen house that was moved up and attached to the house in 1910. I have a modern electric range in use at the moment but I would also like suggestions about how to update the kitchen with old appliances if possible.
When I bought the house the kitchen it had a 1972 kenmore stove that was rusted out and not working. No fridge. I could see ghost lines for a wood stove along the walls.
The laundry was always sent out so I have a pretty free element to work with there. I think I want to put a stack washer/dryer in my bathroom.
OK guys, I welcome your suggestions/questions. I appreciate your help.
I live in a house built in 1797. The interior walls are thick plaster and ceilings of various heights. The house was built by a fellow who served with George Washington in the American Revolution, Dr. Timothy Rossiter. He sold the house in 1811 to a family that kept it (through material lines) until I bought it two years ago. The house was pretty much intact as it was in 1805.
When I closed on the house I was facing a major restoration effort. The plumbing and electric was installed in 1910. I replaced those systems this past spring (I replaced the 1910 installation). I did not install central heat or air conditioning.
This past summer in Georgia was a record heat wave. Some days got up to 105! My house inside stayed under 75 degrees! This is what I attribute it to; first the house faces South and catches morning sun on the east side. I kept the shutters closed in the first half of the day on that side of the house. In the afternoon the sun was really hot and bright. I kept the shutters closed on the west side of the house (and the louvers open somewhat)in the afternoon hours into night.
As in the 19th century I take up the persian rugs and take down the drapes. The house has a center hall so the doors may be opened for fresh air and light as needed. Yes, the house stays a bit on the dim side in the summer inside.
But it stays very comfortable. When it is hot outside (90 plus )my home is cool and inviting.
I have not made any big changes in the house. Nor did any previous owner. The house is pretty much the way it was in 1805 in almost every detail except for the update in plumbing and electric.
My neighbors also have old homes (the entire town is comprised of antebellum and victorian houses). Most have installed central heat and air. They pay an average of $480.00 a month to heat and air-condition their homes.
My summer gas bill ran me 13 to 15 dollars a month this past year. My winter bill, with gas logs in the fireplaces...and I only heat the room(s) I am using might get up to $100.00 a month. I paid $33.00 last month.
Now, after all my rambling...Would any of you guys install central heat and air conditioning in the house? My neighbors think I am off my rocker to live by 19th century standards.
I am saving a boatload of money. I don't understand why they want to air-condition and heat every inch of their house???
I tend to lean toward 18th and 19th century ways of living but I am taken with some of the new inventions. I have to admit I bought solar outside flood lamps and put them outside during the day. I bring the lights in at night. A great way to light the house without turning on an electric switch.
My kitchen is the old kitchen house that was moved up and attached to the house in 1910. I have a modern electric range in use at the moment but I would also like suggestions about how to update the kitchen with old appliances if possible.
When I bought the house the kitchen it had a 1972 kenmore stove that was rusted out and not working. No fridge. I could see ghost lines for a wood stove along the walls.
The laundry was always sent out so I have a pretty free element to work with there. I think I want to put a stack washer/dryer in my bathroom.
OK guys, I welcome your suggestions/questions. I appreciate your help.
