This Old House Hour Season 15 Episode 11 Arlington Arts & Crafts Underground Energy

In season 15 episode 11 of This Old House Hour, entitled "Arlington Arts & Crafts Underground Energy," the crew takes on a unique project in a historic Craftsman-style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. This 1915 home is located in a historic district, so the team needed to adhere to strict guidelines in order to maintain the integrity of the home.

The homeowners wanted to improve the energy efficiency of their home, but the challenge was that the property sits on a hill, with a two-story front and a four-story back. The solution was to install underground heating and cooling loops, which would be connected to a geothermal, or ground-source, heat pump. This system would use the temperature of the earth to heat and cool the home, reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling methods and decreasing energy costs.

The team started by drilling 12 boreholes, each about 500 feet deep, in the backyard. These pipes were filled with a solution that would transfer heat from the earth to the heat pump located inside the home. The team then installed conduits that would connect the underground pipes to the heat pump. This process required careful planning, as the team needed to ensure that the pipes were properly aligned and that there were no potential leaks.

With the underground heating and cooling system in place, the team moved on to other energy-efficient upgrades in the home. They installed new energy-efficient windows, added insulation to the walls and attic, and sealed any air leaks that could contribute to energy waste. They also installed a new energy-efficient hot water heater.

While these upgrades will certainly provide significant energy savings for the homeowners, they also enhance the overall comfort of the home. The underground heating and cooling system ensures that the temperature remains consistent throughout the house, while the other upgrades help to eliminate drafts and other uncomfortable temperature variations.

Throughout the episode, the crew also provides valuable tips for homeowners who want to increase the energy efficiency of their home. They stress the importance of sealing any air leaks, which can be a significant source of energy waste. They also recommend adding insulation to the attic and walls, which can help keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

In addition to the energy-efficient upgrades, the crew also provides some creative solutions for enhancing the home's aesthetics. They add a custom-built radiator cover in the living room, which not only provides a stylish accent but also helps to direct warm air into the room. They also install a custom-built bookcase in the dining room, which adds extra storage space and gives the room a unique touch.

Overall, season 15 episode 11 of This Old House Hour is an excellent resource for homeowners who want to increase the energy efficiency of their homes while maintaining their historic beauty. The underground heating and cooling system provides a unique solution to the challenges posed by the home's hillside location, and the team's other energy-efficient upgrades help to reduce energy waste and enhance overall comfort. With valuable tips and creative solutions, this episode is a must-watch for any homeowner looking to make their home more energy-efficient.