[MassHistPres] Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Historic Buildings

[Elizabeth Mulholland]

Good topic.

I am involved with the Judge Samuel Holten House in Danvers that has been owned by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1921. It has 17th & 18th sections which are two stories with an open attic above and saltbox back. There is also a 19th century 1 story addition. A caretaker lives in half the house. It has crawlspace/dug cellars with dirt floors except for one part that is concrete where the boilers are located. All fieldstone foundations. One large section and a rear ell has no basement at all. 

Heating system is two gas boilers that feed a circa 1920s hot water radiator systems with two zones.  Pipes go up and over in uninsulated attic. We have interior thermal panels which we leave in year round. They definitely help with heating loss and cooling stability and comfort. 

Humidity/mold is definitely a problem. Years ago we did the exterior drainage and we no longer have water entering the basement. Maintenance overtime is the key. At the start of last summer we put a dehumidifier and drain pump (to outside) in the basement and are monitoring temp and humidity on first floor. We definitely see a change and the mold smell is gone. It is 50 pint household unit. The tradeoff is higher electric. But I think worth it as we were able to lower humidity 10-15%.  When this one dies we will replace with bigger capacity and more efficient one and expect to see a more consistent and deeper drop in humidity.  

Someday we’d like to redo the heating system to get rid of the clunky radiators and re-zone for more efficiency and control/comfort. But I am not sure what we’d even replace even with even if we had the funds. I have heard the heat pumps would just be supplemental and at this point are more unsightly than ye old radiators. 

It would be great to bring in a consultant that really understands older buildings. Any leads greatly appreciated.


Elizabeth Mulholland
Valley View Farm
278 High Street
Topsfield, MA 01983
Mobile: 1-978-790-1271
www.valleyviewcheese.com



> On May 15, 2023, at 4:27 PM, Diane Gilbert via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> wrote:
> 
> The Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust manages a historic building, the 1762 Akin House in Dartmouth, MA, which has no insulation and is subject to drafts and moisture. Five years ago, we installed a ductless heat pump system that has proven ineffective, impractical, and is no longer functional. 
> 
> While the structural integrity of this historic house is reasonably sound, its viability and longevity as a historic house also depends on keeping the climate/atmosphere/temperature at a certain level during all seasons to manage and mitigate the inherent moisture and dampness from further damaging or deteriorating the structure, including the rare wallpaper in the sitting room, the furnishings, and other objects and materials, including paper documents, within. 
> 
> We cannot address the building's air quality without a solution that provides heating and cooling with improved ventilation. The house itself cannot be sustained in an ongoing and unpredictable environment, now subject to climate change. The air quality will be intolerable for visitors as well. After fifteen years managing this house, the air quality can have a tremendous impact on all we do to keep it operational and on our pulmonary health.
> 
> We are pursuing various mechanical system options along with plans for the installation of interior storm windows to further protect the building. While the building is open to visitors on a seasonal basis, the house itself must be maintained at a certain temperature for its own protection and longevity. 
> 
> The NPS Preservation Brief 24 offers guidance along with the MHC. My question to this group is whether or not you have encountered this situation and how did you resolve it. 
> 
> As noted in the Preservation Brief, "No set formula exists for determining what type of mechanical system is best for a specific building. Each building and its needs must be evaluated separately." 
> 
> The Akin House may be a building with such unique characteristics––electricity as its only utility; uninsulated in keeping with the original historic nature of a 260-year-old building––it's not air-tight and subject to an unusual amount of dampness and moisture. 
> 
> Thanks in advance for any advice or solutions from your own experiences, if applicable. Suggestions for the storm windows also appreciated.
> 
> You can also email me or call me outside of the listserv. 
> 
> Thank you, Diane Gilbert
> (508) 965-7265
> 
> 
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