I've heard that argument before, but honestly, I'm leaning toward variable-speed for my reno. Sure, repairs might be pricier, but the efficiency savings could balance it out over time. Plus, comfort counts for a lot...especially if you're planning to stay put awhile. My neighbor installed one last year and swears by it—says his bills dropped noticeably. Maybe it's a gamble, but seems worth considering.
Variable-speed definitely has its perks, but for older homes like mine, I'm not convinced the math always adds up. With drafty windows and less insulation, the efficiency gains might not offset the upfront costs. Personally, I'd tackle insulation first—might get more bang for your buck.
You're spot-on about insulation being a good first step. I tackled my attic insulation last year—honestly, it was messy and itchy (wear long sleeves!), but the difference was noticeable almost immediately. Drafty windows are another beast though...have you tried those shrink-wrap window kits? They're surprisingly effective for a quick fix. Variable-speed HVAC sounds tempting, but yeah, without sealing things up first, feels like putting premium gas in a car with flat tires.
The shrink-wrap kits actually surprised me too—I used them in a pinch last winter, and while they're not the prettiest solution (especially on an older home with original trim), they genuinely cut down the drafts. But you know, windows are tricky when you're dealing with historic properties. I've been reluctant to replace mine because of the aesthetics and authenticity factor...but at some point, efficiency has to take priority, right?
Speaking of sealing things up before upgrading HVAC, have you looked into door sweeps and weather stripping? I went around checking door frames last fall and realized just how much air was sneaking through tiny gaps. Installing sweeps and adding fresh weather stripping turned out to be an inexpensive fix that made a noticeable difference. Might be worth trying before investing big bucks into a new variable-speed unit. Curious if anyone else has found other small fixes that add up to big comfort gains?
"but at some point, efficiency has to take priority, right?"
I see your point about efficiency, but I'd argue that aesthetics and authenticity don't necessarily have to take a back seat. With historic properties, once you replace original windows, you can't get that character back. I've worked with clients who've regretted swapping out their old windows for modern ones, even though they gained efficiency. Instead, have you considered interior storm windows? They're custom-fit and discreetly installed from the inside, preserving the original exterior look while significantly improving insulation. They're pricier than shrink-wrap kits, sure, but still cheaper than a full window replacement or a new HVAC system. Also, door sweeps and weather stripping are great, but don't overlook insulating your attic hatch or basement rim joists—these areas can leak a surprising amount of air and are often neglected. Small fixes like these can collectively make a big difference in comfort without compromising the home's integrity.
