Quote:
Originally Posted by thinkxingu
Have you had an energy audit completed? I would absolutely suggest that, if not. Though you might not jump in to big projects, they'll give you an overall assessment of your home's energy use and ways to reduce it. My second thought, in terms of the coolness, might be an attic fan—those are inexpensive to install and surprisingly effective and efficient. Finally, have you thought about downsizing? You've posted a lot about repairs and needing to shave costs and all these extra floors/rooms that I can't help but ask.
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Yes, I had an energy audit about 20 years ago, for heating rather than cooling. At that time, upon advice I had the insulation in the attic replaced and cracks sealed throughout the house. It was blown-in insulation. Honestly, the upstairs and attic got a lot hotter and more humid after that. For a later renovation I had the blown-in insulation in half of the attic replaced with foam panels for a cathedral ceiling (yes, used proper ventilation strips). When I got the roof replaced last year I had ridge vents installed the whole length of the roof. An attic fan is worth investigating, thanks.
Have I thought about downsizing? HA! Constantly. I want to own an energy-efficient house around 850 sq ft. Something like this:
https://www.architecturaldesigns.com...e-plan-68574vr
Or:
https://www.houseplans.com/plan/600-...-0-garage-4836
I've searched all over central New Hampshire and Maine and concluded that there are no newish small houses on the market. A modular house would be good.