Vintage homes are full of charm and character. Unfortunately, if they haven’t had extensive updates, old houses might have poor insulation and other structural issues. While these things may not hinder your ability to live happily in an old house, they can lead to higher utility bills. If you live in an old house without air conditioning, hot weather might be especially difficult. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping an old house cool during the hottest days of the year.
Windows that light up your home are also the leading contributor of indoor heat. However, with older homes the problem may not just be the light but the insulation. Luckily, both things can be mitigated by hanging up blackout curtains. These thick curtains will block the light from coming inside the home and heating it up, but will also help seal the warm air from outside that may sneak in.
Check to see if your ceiling fans are spinning the right direction to deal with hot air. In the summer months, they should spin counter-clockwise in order to move warm air up toward the ceiling and away from the living space. This will also push the cooler air down closer to the ground and make the overall temperature much more comfortable. Typically, you can find a directional switch on the ceiling fan itself or you can use a wall switch if available.
Most of the energy from incandescent lightbulbs comes out as heat. If you have built-in fixtures with incandescent lights, you might generate enough unneeded heat to affect the overall temperature in a noticeable way. Check ceiling fixtures, sconces and lamps to investigate what types of bulbs they are using. Swapping out incandescents for LED lightbulbs will save you money and last longer, too.
Once the sun goes down and the outside temperature falls, it’s time to open up any doors and windows you can. Let in cool air from outside and promote circulation by making sure you have an open door or window on each directional end of the home. If you don’t have screens for doors or windows, you may install some without damaging the existing molding or walls. To speed up the process, place a box fan in front of an open window or door to blow the outside air in and cool off the home.
You can enjoy the charm and character of a vintage building while still being comfortable in any weather. Try these tips to beat the heat while benefiting from lower energy expenditure at the same time.
As an incredibly driven and self-motivated Realtor®, my utmost passion lies in serving your best interests and guiding you through one of life's most significant decisions. With a deep understanding of the importance of a comfortable and nurturing home environment, I strive to help families create lasting memories in their ideal living spaces. My clients are my top priority, and I am committed to providing a seamless, stress-free experience from start to closing.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I have called Massachusetts home since 1988, immersing myself in the region's rich natural beauty and historical heritage. Over the years, I have cultivated strong relationships within the community and acquired an intimate knowledge of the local residential markets. This unique combination enables me to offer invaluable insights and act as a dependable resource, skillfully matching clients with properties that perfectly suit their needs.
With over 22 years of experience in real estate and a background of 30 years in sales, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I approach each transaction with meticulous attention to detail, taking the time to listen and truly understand my clients' goals. By employing a contemporary marketing approach, leveraging strong negotiation skills, and maintaining constant communication, I provide a high-end service that ensures buyers find their dream homes within their budgets and sellers effectively market their properties for optimal returns. Witnessing the overwhelming joy of clients at a successful closing is immensely rewarding to me.
My dedication to personalized service and strict adherence to confidentiality are the cornerstones of my professional competency. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, my warm and caring approach makes me the perfect agent to guide you through the process. As a testament to my track record of results, I have proudly achieved recognition as an award-winning Realtor, ranking among the top producers year after year.
Beyond real estate, I have a profound love for travel, enjoy golfing and participating in fitness classes. I am actively involved in volunteering with organizations such as "We all Volunteer", JFS, and I passionately support the life-saving work of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Additionally, I nurture a deep interest in studying architectural characteristics during my travels.
It brings me tremendous joy to know that I am positively impacting people's lives through the life-changing decision of homeownership. Whether you are seeking to buy or sell your home, I am genuinely thrilled and honored to guide you along the journey and contribute to your success story.
