Hi: I’m a DIY’er with a 1902 Princess Anne Victorian home. The whole-house-fan in the attic was removed twenty years ago and the air conditioning unit (1987) in the basement has a difficult time cooling the second floor (we didn’t attempt to cool the attic. Adding return ducts would be quite awkward in this house so I’m considering 1) an exhaust fan through the second floor ceiling or 2) installing a small space pak in the attic to cool the second floor bedrooms only. Any thoughts? thanks
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There are split systems with multiple zones that allow separate thermostats for each Bedroom. I have no knowledge of details or costs of such a system. You may want to google "Split system" and "multiple zones" to find additional info.
thanks for your reply. Was this a conventional forced air system or a 'power pack'?
Not sure what your term "power pack" means. Unico is a competitor to SpacePak (spelling?), that uses 2" diameter hoses to bring the cooled air to the rooms. Requires a larger plenum somewhere (attic in my case) from which these hoses are connected.
Hope that helps. Google Unico and you'll find their whole story.
Bob
Unico is a high velocity system that uses 2" supplies and few returns. The systems work differently than conventional system, in that they move the air at a high rate and want the turbulance to mix the air and cool or heat the space better and more evenly. They are more expensive than conventional systems, so they are usually used for remodels in homes like yours. The design of the system is flexible, the main thing is to get the number of outlets per room right and the number for the house right.
http://www.unicosystem.com/
Is there a thermo exhaust fan in the gable or roof of your attic? If so, is there enough venting for the exhaust? Start with that. It's relatively easy to do and inexpensive.
How well is the attic insulated? Insulate the hell out of it.
Can you reinstall another whole house fan. I think those things are great. We had one in our old farmhouse with lots of mature shade trees. It really kept things quite cool. Again, make sure there's adequate venting for that.
If still not satisfied, go with the portable AC units.