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heating an attic

jrnbj's picture

heating an attic (post #179240)

jrnbj on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 17:12
in

I've moved into an old Victorian and have a full, floored, untouched attic to build a bedroom in....not planning anything fancy, more of a guest room. House has central HVAC. getting ducting to the attic would be difficult, and most likely beyond the current systems useful capacity.
Anyone care to suggest the greenest way to make a livable space up there?

(I'm in Buffalo, NY.........)

-A +A

(post #179240, reply #1 of 5)

by Mike_Maines in reply to jrnbj [original] on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 17:43

Insulate the rafter bays with dense-packed cellulose, and add foam sheets either inside or outside of the roof assembly to get a total R-value of 49 if possible.  Then install a Rennai or Toyo Propane or NG-fired space heater.  You just need a 120V outlet and a gas line.  A well-insulated roof along with heat rising from the lower floors will keep the heater from having to operate often. 

(post #179240, reply #2 of 5)

by frammer52 in reply to jrnbj [original] on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 18:03

Open the windows in the summer and install a ceiling fan!


Or insulate the rafters, your choice..

(post #179240, reply #3 of 5)

by jrnbj in reply to Anonymous [original] on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 19:02

right back atcha

(post #179240, reply #4 of 5)

by DanH in reply to jrnbj [original] on Sat, 12/05/2009 - 03:02

Insulate, of course. And then install a motel-style heat pump.


This country will not be a permanently good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.  --Theodore Roosevelt


Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.  --Herman Melville

(post #179240, reply #5 of 5)

by danski0224 in reply to jrnbj [original] on Sat, 12/05/2009 - 14:55

Mini split heat pump.


And insulate, but make sure your roofing material can deal with no air circulation... or do it so the roof is still vented.