Author Topic: Converting an Attic  (Read 479 times)

8greenbeans

Converting an Attic
« on: August 13, 2024, 10:50:30 AM »
I finally climbed up into the attic space and it is much larger than I thought it was. Much, much larger. I have an idea, but I know nothing about construction, heating & air, insulation, ventilation, etc. So, let me briefly describe my idea and y'all who know things, tell me if it is a pipe dream or feasible, please.

Truly only the middle (which is still quite a nice width) is useable as far as walking/standing. I'd like to "frame this off" into one long room, complete with insulation, in order to set up a nice indoor grow system. Electric outlets are already installed, and I would ferry water up there like I do to all the other house plants.

I know so little about HVAC other than certain size units cover a certain cubic footage. So, that is my main concern first. Second, is if the current unit can indeed support the added cubic footage, then I'd want to properly install a vent without messing up one or more of the downstairs rooms. It doesn't have to be "perfectly" controlled up there - just enough to keep it from being a sauna in the summer and a freezer in the winter.

Thoughts? Should I tank the idea or pursue it?

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nj_m715

Re: Converting an Attic
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2024, 11:03:16 AM »
a mini split is probably your best
the attic would be it's own zone with it's own t-stat

a window unit would be the cheapest easiest DIY way to go
the new inverter style have better efficiency

you could ad a vent or 2 to the existing unit but like you said, it's not sized for the extra load and would be hard to balance

RWS

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Re: Converting an Attic
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2024, 12:01:43 PM »
You never want to put two different floors on the same ac system.  Just doesn't work.  A mini split is your best option.

Surveyor1

Re: Converting an Attic
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2024, 02:47:03 PM »
I too agree with the mini split option.  NJ is right a window unit is cheapest option but logistics may be an issue.  At least with the mini split they can be worked on if you have an issue, window units go out and no one will work on them so even the warranties are no good because they tell you to have a repairman diagnose….
Give a man a fish and feed him a day teach him how to fish and you have a friend for life.

8greenbeans

Re: Converting an Attic
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2024, 09:26:40 PM »
Thank you fellas for giving me this information to look into!!

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