HVAC Solutions: Dos & Don’ts for Historic Building Preservation

Michael C. Rosone

2 years ago

If you’re renovating a historic building in New York City, the HVAC solutions you choose can be a very important decision. Choosing the right HVAC systems and installers means you get the comfort conditions you need for the space while also being mindful of historic building preservation and maintaining the character of the building.

When taking on a renovation of a historic building, it’s essential that you consult with HVAC experts who have experience working with historic buildings. That’s because installers can damage the building when they don’t understand the requirements of older buildings.

Each historic space is unique and needs to be properly evaluated to select the right HVAC solutions and installation options.

There’s a great deal to know about what to do and not to do when selecting, installing and even maintaining HVAC solutions for historic buildings.

Today we’re sharing the first in a two-part series about the DOs and DON’Ts you should be aware of when making decisions about HVAC solutions.

Let’s start with the DOs.

HVAC solutions: 9 DOs for historic building preservation

1. DO understand the new usage of the space

This is something that is frequently neglected when a historic space is renovated for commercial use before a new tenant has been selected for the space.

It’s understandable for a building owner to want to complete renovations to make the space more desirable to prospective tenants. However, HVAC solutions need to be customized according to the usage of the space. For example: a restaurant has vastly different climate control and ventilation requirements than an office space or a boutique. Without understanding usage requirements in advance, you may end up installing HVAC systems that are inappropriate and ineffective.

2. DO factor in usage of traditional cooling methods

In a historic building preservation, the goal is to keep as much of the existing space and finishes as you possibly can.

Try to reduce cooling loads and minimize the size of AC systems by adding shutters, awnings, operable windows and ceiling fans (or keeping existing ones).

3. DO add insulation: the right way

Adding insulation and vapor barriers is a great strategy to improve energy efficiency, as well as reducing both heating and cooling loads.

However, adding insulation to walls in a historic building preservation can be tricky without damaging interior wall finishes or exterior cladding or stonework. Best practice can be adding insulation in basements and attics in those cases.

4. DO consider the weight of the equipment

Remember that the structural systems of historic buildings were not designed to bear the weight of modern HVAC equipment.

When this additional weight and vibration is not planned for in the selection and placement of equipment, structures can be weakened or damaged.

5. DO factor in ceiling heights of older spaces

When designing distribution systems and placement of HVAC equipment, be aware of the potential impact on ceiling heights. Some historic buildings may have low ceilings that make it impossible to add ductwork or air handlers.

Or you may have the opposite situation: beautiful high ceilings that you want to preserve. In either case, take advantage of existing shafts, chases and even closet space for air distribution systems when the ceiling is not an option.

6. DO minimize impact of HVAC solutions on architecture and finishes

Of course you want to keep gorgeous high ceilings in your historic building preservation project. And you also want to retain historic finishes like moldings, plaster walls, woodwork, stonework and even decorative elements like wallpaper and switch plates.

When choosing HVAC solutions and design, minimize changes to these elements as much as possible.

7. DO reuse existing HVAC elements when possible

Those old grille covers and radiators can be beautiful, and something that should be built into the new HVAC solutions whenever possible. For example, you may be able to keep existing radiators while adding a new boiler and updating the distribution.

If the ventilation is still usable (or it’s possible to update without redesigning the placement), then you may be able to keep the ornate grille covers, while adding more modern controls. If you can’t use existing grilles, at least add less intrusive ones such as slot registers.

8. DO plan for humidity control

Proper humidity control is essential for historic building preservation in order to prevent deterioration of the historic building materials such as woodwork, masonry, plaster, and even fabrics. In some cases, humidification may be needed in the winter and de-humidification in the summer.

9. DO provide access to equipment for HVAC maintenance

Especially in a historic building, it’s smart to plan in advance for regular preventative maintenance on the new HVAC solutions. Even new equipment needs regular cleanings, inspections and tune-ups to keep it operating efficiently and effectively.

Here’s something else you may not realize: preventative maintenance actually saves you money by preventing breakdowns and large, unexpected repair bills. Regularly cleaning coils, replacing worn parts and checking wiring can prevent small problems from turning into big, expensive ones.

So that’s why it’s smart to plan for HVAC maintenance during your historic building preservation project, by providing easy access to equipment.

NEXT TIME: We’ll continue our series on HVAC solutions for historic building preservation, by exploring the DON’Ts you need to know as well. DON’T miss it!