A century homeowner in western Washington debated whether it was worth insulating their 1930 Tudor if it meant changing the old-world charm of the roof's appearance.
Here's what to know
On Reddit, the owner revealed that the house has "no insulation," accompanied by a photo. They had already gotten estimates for the work, but before any insulation could be added, they said, "I'll need to get a roofer to add some intake vents before that."
Those vents would change the house's look and shape, which the owner was having a hard time with. "Part of me wants to keep it without any insulation rather than change the roof to have a bunch of vents."
More background
For many older homes, insulation is only part of the equation. Airflow can create moisture problems, which is why contractors often recommend intake or exhaust vents before sealing an attic or roof assembly.
For owners of architecturally distinctive houses, that advice can feel like a tough trade-off. The Tudor homeowner was concerned that adding box vents and intake vents might change the exterior enough that the improved comfort may not be worthwhile.
Still, upgrading your heating and cooling system is one of the best ways to cut utility costs and protect yourself against rising energy prices. If you're considering bigger comfort upgrades, Palmetto can help you understand your HVAC options and slash your energy bills with new, efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps. Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.
Many homeowners are not just asking what works best from a technical standpoint, but what makes the most sense for their budget, comfort, and their home's character. Even in a temperate climate, poor insulation can make hot and cold snaps harder to handle while forcing a heating or cooling system to work harder than necessary.
What can be done?
If you're in a similar position of having to choose between modern comforts and preserving historical architecture, getting multiple opinions can help.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. Solar panels can save you more than $50k over their 25-year lifespan, and EnergySage can help you save as much as $10k on installation. Which begs the question — isn't that worth an email or two? |
A preservation-minded roofer or insulation contractor may be able to recommend lower-profile ventilation options or phased upgrades that improve comfort without dramatically changing the home's exterior.
You can also look beyond insulation alone. Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes options that can lower your heating and cooling costs and includes free maintenance. If your current system is aging, that kind of upgrade can deliver savings faster than envelope work alone.
And if you want to push your costs even lower, you can pair solar panels with electric appliances, such as efficient HVAC systems. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
