Mechanical Systems Links & Resources
The Basics | Geothermal | Guidelines
The Basics
Cooling Load Reduction and Air Conditioner Design in a 19th Century Florida House Museum
Florida Solar Energy Center. Dave Chaser. November 2004. Illustrated paper on cooling loads, envelope leakage testing, and air conditioner size and design. (PDF 273 KB)
Energy Conservation in Traditional Buildings
English Heritage. 2008. Research paper by the U.K.'s leading preservation organization discussing the impact of climate change and approved methods for rehabilitating your older or historic building for better energy efficiency. (PDF 1.45 MB)
Finding Common Ground
Traditional Building. Kim A O'Connell. June 2007. Web article discussing the connections between historic buildings and green building, including examples and areas of conflict and consensus.
Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling Historic Buildings: Problems and Recommended Approaches
National Park Service. Sharon C. Park, AIA. 1991. Website that examines the history of mechanical systems, climate control and preservation, designing a new HVAC system, and some common do's and don'ts.
High-Performance HVAC
Whole Building Design Guide. National Institute of Building Sciences. Carl Ian Graham, PE. May 19, 2008. Website with comprehensive description of HVAC types, impact on building energy performance goals, and design recommendations.
HVAC Upgrades in Historic Buildings
Technical Preservation Guidelines. U.S. General Services Administration. Caroline Alderson. April 2009. Illustrated fact sheet on federal standards, planning, passive climate control features, central systems, small space options, and equipment placement. (PDF 559 KB)
Ideal Blend of Old, New
Providence Journal. Peter B. Lord. December 8, 2008. Web article on the 1912 Medical Society Building and its geothermal HVAC system.
Is Less More? Conversations of the National Trust Historic Site Directors at the National Preservation Conference
National Trust for Historic Preservation. Max van Balgooy and Barbara Campagna. October 22, 2008. Web article discussing environmental management systems at historic sites, addressing authenticity, visitor comfort, and proprietary systems.
Mechanical Systems: Identify, Retain, Preserve
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Preservation. National Park Service. 1992, 1995. Website with recommended and not recommended methods for upgrading mechanical systems in historic buildings.
Thermostats and Control Systems
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 2009. Website exploring why you should use a programmable thermostat, how to choose one and how to use it, the costs and energy benefits, etc.
Update Building Systems Appropriately
Whole Building Design Guide. National Institute of Building Sciences. June 3, 2009. Website on early planning, lighting and electrical, plumbing, structural, and recommendations.
Using HVAC to Preserve the Past for the Future
The News. Greg Mazurkiewicz. December 6, 2001. Web article discussing Monticello 's approach to HVAC.
Geothermal
Geothermal Technology in Historic Properties
Illustrated fact sheet on how geothermal technology works, space requirements, energy efficiency, and special applications. (PDF 776 KB)
Guidelines
Guidelines for the Installation of HVAC Equipment in Historic and Neighborhood Conservation Districts
Cambridge Historical Commission. City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Fact sheet on various HVAC systems, their placement, and screening. (PDF 240 KB)
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