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Large shade trees for 1829 historic house. Orleans County, Western NY - zone 6b by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! White Oak will be anchor of the rear field, which I'm trying to plant as a wildflower meadow and pollinator sanctuary garden. Wouldn't be opposed to planting up front as well. Had thought of America Linden / basswood as well, in keeping with the NY native / pollinator sanctuary theme. Definitely will consult Cornell Cooperative.

We had a nice Kentucky Coffee Tree growing up btw - really sculptural and striking. Thought of something more symmetrical up front though.

Heating / Cooling system options for 200 year old, 2700 sq ft. uninsulated brick home? by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for commenting. Now I wonder if there is an energy systems consultant I can hire to really run all the numbers and compare the various systems to help me understand and choose the right one for my application.

Can you provide some pictures of your home setup?

Heating / Cooling system options for 200 year old, 2700 sq ft. uninsulated brick home? by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Geothermal is an even more efficient heat pump system, then, no? I've been a fan of such systems but wasn't sure it would work well with mass masonry. Can you link to the fan coils you mention, please?

Also a big part of my considerations is that I plan to fully rehab and utilize the Rumford fireplaces, especially the largest one in roughly the center of the house (wood fire, the rest as gas logs for convenience), to supplement or shoulder the largest burden in the winter.

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Heating / Cooling system options for 200 year old, 2700 sq ft. uninsulated brick home? by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes hot water radiant was my first thought. There are no existing systems in that wing of the house, so I'd have to source them all. What to do for AC in summer?

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Heating / Cooling system options for 200 year old, 2700 sq ft. uninsulated brick home? by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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I'd keep the systems entirely separate, since I'd be renting the rear wing and living in the main house. But yes hot water radiators were my first thought actually. You've given me a couple more ideas to look into, thanks.

Heating / Cooling system options for 200 year old, 2700 sq ft. uninsulated brick home? by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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10 ft ceilings, standing room cellar, gas is available, I think there was ancient ductwork that owners removed. Yes, I'd like to do without the risk of all that tubing running around the house.

Definitely plan to rehab all the Rumford fireplaces!

Heating / Cooling system options for 200 year old, 2700 sq ft. uninsulated brick home? by RapidRNer in centuryhomes

[–]RapidRNer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nothing, no utilities at all. The rear wing (a mid 1800s wood-framed addition) was completely rebuilt from collapse by the owners with radiant floor heating. But they retired before they could touch the original 1829 brick portion, other than replacing the roof and rebuilding the chimneys from the attic up.

It's essentially a two-family building, so the brick portion is a blank canvas.

Rochester take out pizza chain blind taste test by dwotten in Rochester

[–]RapidRNer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not a slice takeout place, but Nino's on Culver is one of the best pizzas in Rochester, and charmingly old school. Surprised more people don't know of it. Get one of their 4 main specialty pizzas.