How to Heat an Attic: Your Complete Attic Heater Options Posted on August 29, 2024 When it comes to spaces in the house, the attic is often one of the most neglected rooms. Often considered as an afterthought, they are typically associated with storage. But with proper insulation and heating, attics can be used as functional living spaces. Whether you wish to turn it into a spare bedroom, a practical home office, hobby space, or even a family den, this guide will help you heat your attic and transform it from a dusty storage area to a cozy living space. Why Heat Your Attic? Additional living space The average size of an attic in American homes ranges from 1,600 sq. ft to 1,800 sq. ft. That is a lot of valuable living space potentially lying unused, simply because the attic is not heated and fitted out for habitation. Without adequate heating, the attic is too cold in the winter and uncomfortably hot in the summer, making it unusable for most of the year. Lower utilities An insulated and heated attic reduces the burden on your main furnace or heating system. This reduces your utility costs while creating a more consistent temperature throughout the home. Less risk of structural and property damage Regulating the temperature in your attic also helps protect your home from potential damage. An unheated attic can lead to the formation of ice dams and condensation during the winter. Conversely, the baking heat of summer can cause heat damage to your roofing materials and contribute to premature aging. Massive temperature swings can also cause damage to the items stored in your attic, whether from moisture damage, dry cold air in winter, or excessive heat during the warm season. A heated attic helps regulate temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of these issues. Types of Heaters Suitable for Attics There are various heating options to choose from when considering how to heat your attic. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Portable Space Heaters Electric space heaters are portable and can be placed in specific areas of your attic that need heating. These heaters are easily installed and moved, but they may not be the most efficient option for heating larger attic spaces. If space heaters are the best option for your attic, choose an energy-efficient model with safety features like tip-over protection and overheat protection. Check out our complete lineup of space heaters. Electric Baseboard Heaters Baseboard heaters are electric heaters that run along the baseboard of your attic walls. Like the space heater, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Baseboard heaters are typically controlled by a thermostat and can be turned on and off as needed. They are a good choice for smaller attic spaces, but may be costly for larger attics. Recommended baseboard heater for attic: King 4K2010BW 4 Foot 1000 Watt Electric Baseboard Heater The King K-Series baseboard heaters are easy to install and attractive to look at. They come in a smooth, baked enamel, bright white finish with rounded edges that complements any attic. This model is 48″ long and uses 208V electricity and delivers 1,000 watts of electric heat, good for attics that are about 10 x 10 with 8 ft. ceilings. It uses convection heat, taking room air in from the bottom, lower front of the unit and discharging it from the top front. And it can be wired on either the right or left side. Price: $165.00 King 4K2010BW 4 Foot 1000 Watt Electric Baseboard Heater - 208 Volt The King K-Series baseboard heaters are easy to install and attractive to look at. No more tripping over an unsightly, and often times unsafe, space heater ... View Product See our complete line of baseboard heaters here. Mini-Split Heat Pumps Ductless mini-split heat pumps are a highly efficient and versatile option for heating. Not only do they provide warmth, they also function as ACs during the warm season. A mini split consists of an indoor unit that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, and an outdoor compressor. They provide both heating and cooling in one efficient package, and their ductless nature makes them efficient in both of these roles. Recommended mini split heat pump for attic: Friedrich FSHW183A 18000 BTU, 21.0 SEER2 Floating Air Select Series Single Zone Mini Split – Heat and Cool – 230V – R32 Refrigerant This 18,000 BTU single zone mini split boasts high efficiency ratings including a 21.0 SEER2 and 11.95 EER2. It has an 18,000 BTU heat pump, in addition to providing 18,000 BTUs of cooling, and can service attics up to 800 sq. ft. With its low ambient heating capacity, it will continue to provide heat (8,200 BTUs) even with temperatures down to -4°F. Part of Friedrich’s Select Series Floating Air series, it is Smart Home Ready with built-in WiFi and access to FriedrichGo App for wireless control as well as Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands. Price: $1,299.00 Friedrich FSHW183A 18000 BTU, 21.0 SEER2 Floating Air Select Series Single Zone Mini Split - Heat and Cool - 230V - R32 Refrigerant Friedrich FSHW183A 18,000 BTU single zone mini split system includes both the FAHFW18A3A wall unit and the FSHSR18B3B outdoor compressor. Inverter T... View Product Check out our wide range of ductless mini splits with heat pump, whether for your attic or for multiple zones. Ventless Gas Heaters Ventless gas heaters use natural gas or propane to produce heat. They are highly efficient and provide a reliable heat source for larger attic spaces. As their name implies, they do not require a chimney or vent. However, to function safely they need proper ventilation. They are also not allowed in a number of states in the US, so check with your local codes first. Recommended ventless gas heater for attic: Empire Comfort Systems BF-30W 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent-Free Gas Heater with Thermostat This Blue Flame heater warms attics starting with objects in the room, including the wall on which it is installed. If your attic has a ceiling fan with reversible blades, this will also help spread the heat throughout the room. It is equipped with a hydraulic thermostat and modulates from 8,500 BTUs to 30,000 BTUs for continuous temperature control. With a modulating hydraulic thermostat once the preset comfort level is reached, the unit cycles the main burner flame from HI to LO and, when the thermostat is satisfied, to OFF while still leaving the pilot on. This reduces the large flame to a smaller flame while still emitting heat. Price: $809.00 Empire Comfort Systems BF-30W 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent-Free Gas Heater with Thermostat The BF30W produces an inviting warmth quickly and efficiently. A Blue Flame heater will warm the room starting with objects in the room including the wall on ... View Product See our huge selection of ventless heaters here. Direct Vent Gas Heaters Compared to ventless gas heaters, direct vent gas heaters are generally considered safer because they exhaust the combustion gases directly outdoors. This minimizes the risk of carbon monoxide buildup and helps maintain indoor air quality. They are also typically more efficient since they use outdoor air for combustion, reducing heat loss and maximizing energy use. Another benefit of venting is they do not add moisture to the indoor air. This can be crucial in attics where excess moisture can lead to mold or structural issues. Direct vent heaters are usually more powerful and more suited for larger attic spaces or those with higher heating demands. Drawbacks include complex installation, since they require venting through an exterior wall or roof; higher initial cost; and aesthetic considerations, since the venting system may be visible from the outside and affect the exterior appearance of the home. Recommended direct vent gas heater for attic: Rinnai EX38DT 38400 BTU EnergySaver Direct Vent Wall Furnace This direct-vent wall furnace can put out 38,400 BTUs of heat and offers several venting installation options. It comes with the FOT-151 Termination Kit for walls that are between 4-1/2″ – 9-1/2″ thick. Extensions are also available for thicker walls. It features modulating technology, which provides just the right amount of heat at any given moment by constantly monitoring the room temperature and detecting temperature fluctuations. Room temperature is monitored 2″ from the floor and detects temperature changes of less then 1°F. If a door opens and a sudden gush of cold air rushes into the room, the furnace automatically adjusts the fan speed and BTUs to restore the room back to its set temperature quickly. Price: $2,633.00 Rinnai EX38DT 38400 BTU EnergySaver Direct Vent Wall Furnace This direct-vent wall furnace is 38,400 BTUs and is a great source of heat for large rooms in most of the the country. Direct Vent furnaces can be ... View Product Electric Fireplaces Electric fireplaces make for a cozy heating option if you’re planning to use your attic space as an extra living area. They can be turned off and on whenever needed, and there’s nothing to install! Simply plug it in and turn it on. As with portable and space heaters, you’ll want to make sure you have an electrical source within the attic because the use of extension cords is not recommended. It’s also not recommended to leave these fireplaces on for an extended period of time. If there is going to be someone living in the attic, there should be another source of heat beyond the fireplace that is more long-term. Recommended electric fireplace for attic: Simplifire SF-BI36-EB 36″ Built-In Electric Fireplace This built-in electric fireplace is an aesthetically pleasing addition to attics that are used as living spaces. It offers a realistic flame effect, customizable heat settings, and easy installation. It can be framed into a wall or installed to your existing masonry fireplace. It provides 5,000 BTUs (at 120V) or 10,000 BTUs of heat (at 240V). It uses LED flame technology so bulb changes are not necessary, and it can operate with or without the flame. It comes with a remote, 120V power supply cord, and everything you need for installation into an existing fireplace. Price: $1,429.00 Simplifire SF-BI36-EB 36" Built-In Electric Fireplace The Simplifire 36" Built-In Electric Fireplace is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing addition to any home. It offers a realistic flame effect, customizable ... View Product Also check out the rest of our electric fireplace offerings. Solar Heating Solar heating solutions use the power of the sun to provide heat for your attic. This setup uses solar panels or solar air heaters that are installed on the roof or in the attic, which convert sunlight into usable heat. While solar heating can be environmentally friendly, the current technology carries higher upfront costs. In addition, they may not provide consistent heating on cloudy days, and may not be ideal for locations that experience less sunlight through the year. Important Factors to Consider When Heating Your Attic 1. Determine your heating needs The first step is to consider how much heating your attic needs. Will you be using it year-round, or only during certain seasons? The insulation and heating requirements depend on your intended use. Next, consider your local climate as well as the extreme temperatures your area experiences. These play crucial roles in how much heating you will need. 2. Attic size and layout The size and design of the attic will influence the type of heater you can install. Smaller attics can make do with space or baseboard heaters. If space is a premium, consider wall-mounted infrared heaters or mini splits. 3. Ventilation As an enclosed space, attics need proper ventilation to control moisture and regulate temperature. Insufficient ventilation can lead to condensation, mold growth, and other issues. Check for existing vents and consider installing additional ones if needed. Some attic heating options like ventless gas heaters require adequate ventilation for safety. 4. Heat source Electric heaters typically have the lowest purchase cost, but are also the least efficient. Gas heaters will depend on the gas line you have. Hydronic and solar heaters are highly efficient but also come with higher upfront price tags and installation costs. 5. Insulation Insulation provides a barrier between your home and the outside world and influences so much surrounding the regulation of temperature. Make sure you have the proper amount of attic insulation for your region. Calculating how much insulation you need will involve making sure you know the zone where you live. The United States is divided into 8 zones, and each zone requires a different thickness of insulation. Heating your attic, even if it’s not going to be an extra living space, is well worth the research and effort. Not only does it make your central heating more energy efficient, it also reduces the risk of structural damage and leads to a more evenly distributed heat throughout your home. Fortunately, Total Home Supply has a variety of heating systems that will help you utilize your attic space and/or expand your storage or living quarters. Visit our site to browse our wide selection of heating options today! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
