Heat & Cool An Attic Bedroom

Attic rooms require insulation to control temperature and humidity.

As children get older, they crave independence and personal space. Despite their small space and humidity problems, attic rooms may be an attractive alternative to a bedroom shared with siblings. With safe, up-to-date insulation and a few portable heating and cooling units, you can convert your attic into a comfortable bedroom.

Instructions

Insulating the Attic

1. Seal window gaps and any cracks in the wall with caulk and install weatherstripping around doors to prevent air from escaping.

2. Install a vapor barrier, made with plastic sheeting, on areas where you plan to install insulation. This includes the area underneath the floorboards and between ceiling joists. If your attic is already insulated, lift the current insulation to inspect the condition of the vapor barrier and replace it as necessary.

3. Check that the attic is properly insulated and add new insulation if necessary. Insulation will keep the attic warm in the winter and cooler in the summer, and will save energy, reducing your heating and cooling costs.

4. Measure the area between ceiling joists and floorboards to determine the size of insulation you need. Use insulation with an R-factor of 49 for cooler climates, and 30 for warmer climates. Cut insulation sheets to size and tuck them under the floorboards and between ceiling joints, leaving no gaps.

Adding Heating and Cooling Units

5. Install sufficient ventilation in your attic space to prevent water vapor buildup and reduce heating and cooling loads elsewhere in the house. You will need to install 1 square foot of slotted ventilation space for every 300 square feet of attic space. Place half of the ventilation near the peak of the roof and half at the eaves.

6. Install a window-mounted fan, a ceiling fan or a window-mounted air conditioner to circulate cool air during the warmer months. Use an online calculator the appropriate size air conditioner for your attic size, location and insulation, or consult an HVAC specialist.

7. Hang light-colored curtains or blinds from the windows to reflect light and keep the room cool during the summer.

8. Use a portable space heater to keep the attic space warm during the winter. you can determine the appropriate size of space heater for your attic using an online calculator.

Tags: your attic, attic space, between ceiling, heating cooling, appropriate size, between ceiling joists