Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - 3rd Floor finished Attic - Hot in summer & cold in Winter - HELP

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asabatelli
08-22-05, 03:55 PM
We have a finished attic that is blazing hot in summer and freezing in Winter. The problem is that the central air/heat unit is in the basement and can't push the air all the way to the 3rd floor.

We want to get a window unit, but are unsure if we can get a heat pump or a window unit with AC/Heat. The room is around 800 sq feet, so wasn't sure about BTUs. Also do we need to have an electrician wire a circuit for this unit.

thanks
Adriano

TigerDunes
08-22-05, 05:41 PM
asabatelli

I doubt that your heating/cooling system was designed much less sized for the finished attic. Having said that there are a couple of things you might do to make attic more comfortable but I suspect they will not be satisfactory.

Suggestions

1. check and improve insulation properties
2.check and improve attic/roof ventilation
3.have HVAC professional look at size of supply lines to this finished attic area
4.investigate booster fans in supply lines to this area.

I really don't like any of these ideas because I don't think they will be effective. Check on the mini split ductless heat pumps for this area. Not inexpensive but they could solve problem.

http://www.mrslim.com/Products/subCategory.asp?ProductCategoryID=7&ProductSubCategoryID=80

Good Luck!