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Adding an upstairs attic space....how to heat it?

3391 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  Home Air Direct
Hey guys,

We have a 1958 Cape Cod with an unfinished attic. We are getting ready to finish this space, but need to know how to run HVAC up there.

Currently there is a cold and warm air return in the living room with a floor and ceiling register, and one in another bedroom on this floor.

Is it possible to just tie into these from the upstairs----so there would be a cold and warm air return for the attic. Do we need a cold/warm air return?

Also, should we make a new duct line directly from the blower to our new zone upstairs?

Thanks for any help!
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Where do you live?
Use a minisplit heat pump:http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/wallmounted9-12RL.htm

Your existing system only has X amount of BTU's/capacity. If you tie into it then you are stealing from other areas and basically it may be undersized. If you upsize it then you have a major expense and the logistics of running ductwork etc. If you want heat only then some electric baseboard heaters are the simplest way to go. And you will have individual control of them which is a lot more comfortable.
I second Yuri on the Ductless (I am a Mitsubishi fan). If your attic space is going to be open for the most part, just go ductless mini-split heat pump and be done with it. It consists of a wall hung air handler piped to an attractive suitcase style outdoor condenser.

If you start "tying into other systems" your head will start to pound, and blood will start to trickle out your ears after you spend all the money to rob from your primary system and then neither area will heat or cool sufficiently:furious:

Feel free to contact me off board and I will be happy to point you in a direction.

Good luck with your project.

Jay
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