Heat pumps are rapidly replacing traditional fossil fuel HVAC systems in many regions. They are better for the environment and less costly to operate. Unfortunately, their installation on historic houses is usually not done with any concern for the visual impact on the house. However, a good heat pump installation is possible.
Ideally, the line sets would run up through the interior of the house in a wall, chase, or closet. But in many cases that cannot be done without expensive and messy disruption to living spaces.
This installation shows that heat pump components can be located and painted to have minimal visual impact on the exterior. Screening the ground mounted compressor unit with shrubbery is also a great idea – making sure to allow sufficient air flow for the unit.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” covers these issues, with practical suggestions for approaches that minimize any negative impact on the character of a house.
Chapter 8 is entirely devoted to mechanical systems in old houses, from the historical development of these systems to the most compatible modern solutions available today.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Select preservation titles by other authors including the classic “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester are also available in our shop!
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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