I own a condo in Massachusetts that's part of a 3-story home built in 1900. After renovations, the insulation has turned out to be really poor. My unit occupies the 2nd and 3rd floors, with a crawl space but no attic insulation above. On hot days, even running portable AC units all day only cools the rooms to 85-90°F. I've conducted two home energy assessments, but neither offered a viable solution without tearing down all the walls for better insulation. I've tried sealing gaps and using fans, but nothing seems to help significantly. I'm at a point where I'm considering spending $50,000 to renovate the insulation. What options do I have to improve this situation? My family is suffering from the heat, and I really need some good advice!
3 Answers
Switching your portable AC to dual-hose models can really help. They pull in cooler air, which might make a difference in those hot rooms. Additionally, how about adding big fans in the crawl space? They can help circulate the air and lower temps a bit. Just be mindful of your building’s outer appearance—those rules can be a pain!
Have you thought about improving ventilation rather than just fighting the heat? Maybe see if your condo association can install ventilation fans in that crawl space to help remove the hot air. Also, some condo owners have had success with installing an additional foam layer on the roof to keep things cooler. If it really is bad, $50k for insulation and wall work doesn’t seem out of line. You could also explore roofing options like reflective materials if your HOA permits it.
I know it’s a hassle, but air sealing might be key for you. Even without a proper attic, sealing gaps where heat escapes can keep your home cooler. I'd recommend getting a pro to assess the crawl space. Also, as for the sprinkler pipes, check if there’s any flexibility with insulation—sometimes code can be quite strict.