It's not my house so I'm limited on what I can do. We live in a 150 year old house, natural gas heat & water heater. Here's what I've done so far, I blocked off all heat to the upstairs (not used), I've blocked off heat to 1/3 of the downstairs (not needed(entry room and living room)), I've turned the temp down to 65°F (good for Central Michigan), I'm going to plastic wrapped any and all windows and weather strip all my doors. I'm going to recauck all the windows, what else can I do to keep the winter costs down? Being that is isn't my house, blowing insulation in I don't think is an option. & being that this isn't my house, I don't think I can apply for financial assistance nor do I believe in credit of any kind. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
2007-10-24 03:34:12 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Sounds like you have it covered. If you rent the house, you may want to bring up the idea of blown insulation to the landlord. It is after all an improvement on their property so they may be willing to shell out the cash.
2007-10-24 03:40:47 · answer #1 · answered by kansas_cookies_86 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi Dave,
Without knowing where you are in MI, I "Shop" MI housing a lot, and find that a house 100 plus years old is not an anomoly.
The fact that you don't OWN; might suggest you question whoever does OWN, about your thoughts; and saving some cash.
You've probably gone as far as you can alone; to save some minor dollars; while enduring some levels of discomfort. Again; without some detail about what you're allowed to do and at whos expense; you might just get with the landlord for a civil negotiation session. It might be the landlord doesn't care? It might be that the structure meets code and fair practice issues? It might be that the landlord LIKES you enough to consider you a valid tenant and will HELP?
At 150 years old, and assuming no major renovations or upgrades; is the house defined as a historic dwelling or in a historic district? 1857-ish, might be a pretty cool place aesthetically, but when it was built the initial residents wondered the same things you do; they just didn't have the means that exist in 2007.
Steven Wolf
2007-10-24 03:48:22 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel your chill. I would first check with the owners to see if you can make improvements. Sometimes owners like to have renters improve / repair the house and take the money off the rent as long as there is a receipt. A house this old may not have insulation in the walls. Open a receptacle on an exterior wall and look around the sides of the hole for insulation. If none exists you should have some blown in. Your utility bill will be higher than you want and life will be miserable with the cold. Consider moving if they won't help. You might want to get copies of utility bill for the new place before signing any contract.
2007-10-24 03:54:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Yes you can insulate your attic and still use it for storage. 2. You can add insulation in the ceiling joists of your basement and I suggest you add a vapor barrier as well so the dampness in your cellar doesn't migrate to your living levels. 3. If you can gain access you could consider "blown-in" insulation in the exterior walls of your home. It would require one or two holes about 2" diameter to accommodate the hoses. Those holes would be much easier to repair than all of the wallboard. You could use rigid foam if the plaster or wallboard has been removed but i think you would get a better "R" value from the loose material. You should be able to find a local contractor who specializes in insulation to get suggestions and prices. Good luck.
2016-05-25 11:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you just about got it supplement your heat with an electric heater put heavy blinds on the windows at night and remove for sun in the morning
wear sweater and slippers
finally Move to TEXAS it is 70 today lots of sunshine and the monarchs are migrating and the dove hunting is good
2007-10-24 03:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could supplement with a pellet or corn burning stove. They provide great heat at a pretty low cost (especially the corn burner- where fuel is sometimes even given to you). Might be worth checking out.
2007-10-24 03:39:14 · answer #6 · answered by whitebull1876 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Install a programmable thermostat, and take it with you when you leave. it will pay for itself in one year or less.
Can you paint the interior? if so you might want to look into ceramic dust that is added to paint, doing so helps reflect heat and cool back into the living space.
2007-10-24 06:09:43 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋