With respect to insulation: Can someone please give me advice on the suitability of converting an existing attic FROM traditional bats between the attic floor joists with nothing in the roof rafters and gable/ridge vents, TO expanding foam sprayed between the rafters/walls with nothing in the floor joists and no vents?
I have read that using the “attic as conditioned space” technique is highly desirable in warm southern climates and is recommended for better HVAC performance…but what about in NY?
My house is 55 years old and located in the Northeast, on Long Island in NY. I am planing to replace my central air system (blower/ducts in the attic) and think it would be a great time to remove all of the old/dirty insulation and replace it with foam while at the same time enclosing the space, making it cleaner and more useable for storage.
So far only 1 person I have spoken with (an Icynene applicator) has said this is a good plan. Everyone else–including an insulation contractor that uses a different brand of open cell foam and 3 separate a/c contractors–have said not to condition the attic/leave the existing floor insulation in place/add more fiberglass on top. I also welcome comments on whether the attic insulation should be open or closed cell.
Thanks in advance.
Replies
Linosdad,
I'm a strong advocate for Foam. My house it made a massive differance between celuliose and foam. used to pay up to $500.00 a month for celluliose insulated attic fiberglas walls Now I pay less than $150 a month for foam
Same furnace bigger house (3900 sq.ft. versis 5500 sq.ft.) not fully sealed yet!
Potential savings were over $1000 a year!
Is it a forced air HVAC system? Is it in the attic or is it ducts only in the attic? Is it a gas furnace with an outdoor electric AC unit, heat pump/electric or what?
Set up is as follows:
HEATING: Gas fired hot water heating. Boiler is in basement. No heating equipment in the attic.
COOLING: Standard electric central air system, with the blower and insulated ducts in the attic, and the condenser outside.
Please let me know if you need more info. Thanks Matt.