Finished Attic Hvac

By the time the hvac unit gets planned putting it in the attic is the only thing that makes sense especially cost wise.

Finished attic hvac.

This isolates the attic from the rest of the home which means the attic isn t part of the conditioned envelope. Attic ventilation systems also work together with your insulation. Enforcement varies but codes typically say that at least half of a finished attic must be at least 7 feet high and that this area must be a minimum of 7 feet wide and 70 square feet. A contractor or a local building official can help you assess how the rule will apply to your attic and how modifications like dormers can resolve height shortcomings.

Increase or move insulation. If your home already has ducts running in the attic the simple solution is to keep using the old system to pump treated air into the newly finished attic room. Attic hvac units are potentially inefficient. If you don t have enough height you ll have to raise the roof line and that adds a lot to your construction costs.

Every attic is different but a few established norms and practices will guide your renovation. Consider whether the old system is powerful enough to cover new areas without losing efficiency though. Follow the rule of 7s. The type of ventilation or roof vent that you ll need depends on your home s construction and the details surrounding your attic.

Before you start the job however consider these five hvac tips to help you effectively turn your attic into a spare bedroom. Building codes vary by location but most require at least a 7 foot clearance for attic expansions. To find the answer you can hire an inspector to inspect your hvac system. Sometimes the hvac system winds up in the attic because it s the last thing on the home designer s list.