what's the most cost efficient way to heat a really old and poorly insulated house in upstate NY?

Question

it's called a salt box house and has wood siding. we currently have gas heaters but i think it's going to be expensive for the long winter ahead..

Answer 1

Check out Harman Stoves, I purchased a pellet stove and love it. I've had it for three years now and not once did I have to fire up my oil furnance. My upstairs stays a little cool but I could probably fix that with a few vents in the ceiling. Pellets cost $175-200 a ton, depending on location. Also, check out Harmans coal stoves, they produce more heat than pellet stoves, but require more tending to.

Answer 2

You didnt say where the house is. A heat pump is good where below zero doesnt happen much. Where it is very cold though the auxillary heat would always be on and it would be expensive. Solar has some potential but requires knowledge. Retrofit is inferior to designed in and again climate makes a difference. Historically natural gas is cheaper than propane and propane is half the price of electric. I have never used oil but when using liquid fuel you need to look at 2 things. 1. furnace efficiency 2.BTU per gallon so you actually compare BTU per dollar. Propane may cost less per gallon but what is the cost of the heat. Be sure to block the fireplace chimneys as lots of warm air goes up them otherwise. As for insulation that also has much misinformation. People think R30 ceiling and R19 wall is lots of insulation yet in California that is the MINIMUM accepted in new construction. Amory Lovins (Google him) built a house in Snowmass Colorado where below zero is common and the house heats itself just from the occupants and appliances. He used the latest technology on air-heat exchangers so the air in the house is fresh too. You use bathtub caulk around the tub (silicone). For other caulk there are various types and life. Ask the people at Lowes or Home Depot for a rundown. There is lots of info on the web too that is on gvt websites so not selling something. Basically you want something with enough stretch to accommodate movement of the house with temperature changes. Silicone is good but expensive. I used 12 year latex on mine but silicone where water is involved.

Answer 3

I live in Rochester, NY, I know what you are talking about. If you don't want to re-insulate your house I would consider a slow-burning oven and use wood. You can get a cord of wood for about $40 and it will last 2-3 weeks maybe more therefore about $200 for the winter.

Answer 4

Nice house, keep the doors closed you don't use caulk around all the windows and make sure the door leading to outside seal tight there are easy to apply rubber and foam seals at hardware stores, aside from tearing into the walls and insulating ask your gas service for any information they can suggest of conserving energy.

Answer 5

extra insulation in the ttid for r-38 and platic over the windows will help. insulating walls is over rated.

at least those two things will help retain more of the heat you end up choosing and they are quick and easy

Answer 6

i would do radiant heat under the floors under the first floor.
and a wall mountable heater (radiant) on the second
the whole system uses plastic tubing
you ll get payback in about 5 years or less

Answer 7

well first you must have a working furnace to keep the house temp from falling too far. a nice big electric quartz heater is like sitting in sunshine.

Answer 8

Pellet stoves are good and the pellets are pretty inexpensive

Answer 9

get a fireplace