Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 9/5/2008

Question
My husband and I are working on my mother-in-laws cottage in Michigan.  It's at least 60 years old and made of concrete block with lathing strips covered in drywall without any insulation (from what I saw when we had the window in the bathroom replaced).  We shut it down totally in winter due to it being nearly impossible to keep warm without burning allot of oil. We'd like to insulate it and replace the old fuel oil furnace (located in the wall in the living room, no ductwork, tank outside).  There is a crawl space and attic but not really a place for a central unit inside without using some of the living room.  We are interested in anything that would work for a reasonable price (we can do most, if not all of the labor) and are particularly interested in environmentally friendly / alternative choices.  We've considered rigid foam board on the outside, a woodstove, adding ductwork through the attic with some kind of new system, or even trying to use biodiesel or WVO as fuel. We currently are working on replacing the windows and have window a/c units for cooling.

Thank you for your time and any suggestions you have.

Answer
Hi Suzette, first of all I would like to address your heating and cooling concerns.  You mentioned window A/C units, why not use a reverse cycle window unit or a heat/cool unit?  This way the A/C unit can do both functions.  As far as insulation goes, some insulation companies offer foam insulation that can be injected into the masonry.  Whether or not this is available in your are it is hard to say.  I did see a website for a company in Detroit that offers this type of service.  You can also get a nail based polyisoanurate insulation board that has 3" of a very dense insulation attached to a 1/2" OSB sheathing board.  We use this material a lot for roof systems but it can also be used on walls.  It provides up to R-13 in insulation value.  It can be purchased at roofing supply outlets.  There are several woodburning stoves that have forced air options that can be ducted through the attic if that is your preference.  Marine stores and RV suppliers have a variety of alcohol stoves that will burn ethanol exclusively or will work with alcohol or electric or propane.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com