(no subject)

[rootofnewt]

In many rooms of this house, the heat/ac vents are beneath windows. So, not only are they on exterior walls--they're right beneath uninsulated spots.

This seems highly inefficient to me.

I realize the original source of heat for the house was a central stove unit which was accessed via four rooms--that made sense--the heat was at the core of the house (the kitchen had a stove, which certainly warmed the room--it was only replaced last summer.)

Even with heavy curtains, we lose energy because of the placement of these vents. This irritates me. I want the windows for light, so I don't want to cover them over with mylar for the winter. I'm tempted to do so in the bedroom, however.

Comments

[purplepaisley.livejournal.com]

When I asked the (very competent) HVAC chap where the optimal place was for the best air circulation/heating efficiency, he promptly said "under the window -- that's almost always the best place".

I've just heard the same thing. The furnace in the new house died six days after taking possession, and we're getting some duct work done at the same time as the installation. One room has no heating vents in it at all, and everyone (four estimates) is saying under the window is the best place. Go figure.

[krasota.livejournal.com]

I wonder if that still holds true when one has curtains. It seems the heat just goes up into the curtains and out the window.

And frankly, I don't think drafts are a BAD thing. The non-draftiness/superinsulated nature of modern construction is one reason we have so much mold these days. A little more drafts and the area becomes less friendly to mold and mildew. ;)

I grew up in a drafty old house. I've always been healthier in draftier houses, for the most part, with the exception of places that once held cats. Cats are pure evil and contaminate a living space for months.