How to Heat a Big Ol' House

Owning a large, old home can be a source of pride, with its unique architectural features, high ceilings and historic charm. However, one of the biggest challenges for homeowners is effectively and efficiently heating these properties.

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Unlike modern homes that are built with energy efficiency in mind, older homes can be drafty and have outdated equipment. Here's how to turn your old, cold house into a warm, inviting nest.

Challenges of Heating an Older House

Heating a large, old home can be a real challenge, primarily due to poor insulation, drafty windows and outdated heating systems. Many older homes lack the insulation found in modern construction, which allows warm air to escape easily through exterior walls, attics and floors. As a result, heating systems often struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and cold air from outside can seep in, making the system work even harder.

Additionally, drafty windows and doors are common in these homes, particularly if they still have single-pane windows. These drafts not only make rooms feel colder but also reduce the overall efficiency of the heating system. Another issue is that many older homes rely on outdated heating systems, such as old boilers or inefficient electric furnaces. These systems lack modern energy-saving technologies, leading to higher heating bills. Lastly, the large size and layout of these homes can make it difficult to distribute heat evenly, often leaving some rooms warm while others remain uncomfortably cold.

Tips for Heating a Large, Old House

Now that we’ve outlined the challenges, let's discuss some tips and modern heating solutions to address these issues and improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

1. Install a Smart Thermostat

One of the simplest and most effective upgrades for managing the heating in a large, old home is installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats, like those from brands such as Nest or Ecobee, allow you to control your home's temperature remotely through a smartphone app. These thermostats learn your schedule and automatically adjust temperatures to save energy when you're away or asleep. You can also program different zones in the house, optimizing comfort in areas that are most frequently used.

2. Consider a Heat Pump System

Heat pump systems are an efficient way to heat large, old homes, especially when outdoor temperatures aren't excessively cold. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside air into your home, making them highly efficient compared to traditional electric furnaces or boilers. Dual-purpose heat pumps can also serve as a cooling system during the summer months, offering year-round climate control in one unit.

For homes with poor insulation or drafty areas, it may be necessary to supplement the heat pump with auxiliary heat during the coldest days, but overall, heat pumps are an excellent option for reducing energy use in older homes.

3. Ductless Mini-Split Systems

If your home lacks ductwork or has rooms that are difficult to heat, consider installing ductless mini-split systems. These systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, allowing you to control the temperature in specific areas of your home, which also makes them an ideal choice for creating zoned heating. Ductless mini-splits are more energy-efficient than traditional forced-air systems, as they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork.

4. Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is a luxurious and energy-efficient way to heat large, old homes, especially if you’re renovating or upgrading your flooring. Unlike forced-air systems that blow warm air into a room, radiant floor heating works by circulating warm water through pipes embedded under the floor or using electric heating elements. This creates a comfortable, even heat that rises from the floor up, warming the room more efficiently.

While the installation process can be costly and disruptive, especially in an existing home, radiant floor heating is an excellent long-term investment for improving comfort and reducing heating costs.

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5. Improve Windows, Insulation and Seal Drafts

Before investing in any new heating system, it's important to address the insulation and draftiness of your home. Start by adding insulation to exterior walls, the attic and floors, as this will help retain warm air inside your home and prevent cold air from entering. Sealing gaps around windows, doors and chimneys can also make a significant difference. Weatherstripping, caulking and using heavy curtains are simple ways to block drafts and keep warm air in.

If you haven't upgraded your windows, this simple, albeit costly, step can go a long way toward keeping your home warmer. If you don't want to spring for new windows, applying insulating window film in the cold months can be a good option.

6. Upgrade Your Heating System

If your home still uses an outdated heating system, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient furnace, boiler or heat pump can significantly improve comfort and reduce heating bills. Modern systems are designed to use less energy while delivering more consistent heat throughout your home. For example, modern electric furnaces use improved technology to deliver heat more efficiently than their older counterparts.