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, attics are typically associated with storage. However, with proper insulation and heating, attics can be transformed into 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 convert 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 to 1,800 square feet. That’s 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 Utility Costs An insulated and heated attic reduces the burden on your main furnace or heating system. This leads to lower utility costs while creating a more consistent temperature throughout the home. Reduced Risk of Structural and Property Damage Regulating the temperature in your attic 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 extreme heat of summer can cause damage to your roofing materials and contribute to premature aging. Massive temperature swings can also damage 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 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 space heaters, 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 complement any attic décor. This model is 48″ long, uses 208V electricity, and delivers 1,000 watts of electric heat, making it suitable for attics approximately 10 x 10 feet with 8 ft. ceilings. It uses convection heat, taking room air in from the bottom front of the unit and discharging it from the top front. Additionally, 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, but they also function as air conditioners 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 effective in both 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 features an 18,000 BTU heat pump and provides 18,000 BTUs of cooling, making it suitable for attics up to 800 square feet. With its low ambient heating capacity, it continues to provide heat (8,200 BTUs) even at temperatures as low as -4°F. Part of Friedrich’s Select Series Floating Air, it is Smart Home Ready with built-in WiFi and access to the FriedrichGo App for wireless control, as well as compatibility with 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 pumps, 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 several 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 by heating objects in the room, including the wall where it is installed. If your attic has a ceiling fan with reversible blades, it will 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 high to low 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 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 that they do not add moisture to the indoor air. This is crucial in attics where excess moisture can lead to mold or structural issues. Direct vent heaters are usually more powerful and better suited for larger attic spaces or those with higher heating demands. Drawbacks include complex installation, as they require venting through an exterior wall or roof; higher initial costs; 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 output 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, with extensions available for thicker walls. It features modulating technology, which provides just the right amount of heat at any given moment by constantly monitoring room temperature and detecting temperature fluctuations. The furnace automatically adjusts the fan speed and BTUs to restore the room back to its set temperature quickly if a door opens and cold air rushes in. Price: $2,633.00 Rinnai EX38DT 38400 BTU EnergySaver Direct Vent Wall Furnace This Direct Vent Wall Furnace, with 38,400 BTUs, is an excellent source of heat for large rooms across most regions. Direct Vent furnaces can be installed alm... View Product Electric Fireplaces Electric fireplaces are a cozy heating option if you’re planning to use your attic space as an extra living area. They can be turned on and off whenever needed without any installation—simply plug them in and turn them on. As with portable and space heaters, ensure you have an electrical source within the attic because the use of extension cords is not recommended. It’s also advisable not to leave these fireplaces on for extended periods. If someone will be living in the attic, there should be another source of heat beyond the fireplace for long-term use. 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 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). Utilizing LED flame technology, it eliminates the need for bulb changes and can operate with or without the flame. The fireplace comes with a remote, a 120V power supply cord, and everything needed 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 installed on the roof or in the attic, which convert sunlight into usable heat. While solar heating is environmentally friendly, the current technology involves higher upfront costs. Additionally, solar heaters may not provide consistent heating on cloudy days and may not be ideal for locations with limited sunlight throughout the year. Important Factors to Consider When Heating Your Attic 1. Determine Your Heating Needs The first step is to assess how much heating your attic requires. 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 and the extreme temperatures your area experiences. These factors play crucial roles in determining the amount of heating needed. 2. Attic Size and Layout The size and design of the attic will influence the type of heater you can install. Smaller attics can utilize space or baseboard heaters, while limited space may necessitate 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 depend on the availability of a gas line. Hydronic and solar heaters are highly efficient but come with higher upfront prices and installation costs. 5. Insulation Insulation provides a barrier between your home and the outside world, significantly influencing temperature regulation. Ensure you have the proper amount of attic insulation for your region. Calculating the required insulation involves knowing the climate zone where you live. The United States is divided into 8 climate zones, each requiring different insulation thicknesses. Heating your attic, even if it’s not intended as an extra living space, is well worth the research and effort. Not only does it make your central heating more energy-efficient, but it also reduces the risk of structural damage and leads to more evenly distributed heat throughout your home. Fortunately, Total Home Supply offers 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.
