Are attic and garage heating a good idea in winter? What are the potential benefits of attic and garage heating? To some extent, the interior climate in these two normally uninhabited spaces can impact comfort and efficiency inside the living spaces of the home. While attic and garage heating may seem like a win-win scenario, the benefits are not equal in both cases. Here are some factors to take into account when considering attic and garage heating.
Heating the Attic
Heating an attic may be counterproductive and actually may increase home heat loss. Rising attic heat lost through the home’s roof can trigger a continuous upward flow of heat known as a “stack effect,” which also draws heat through the ceiling of living spaces below, negating potential energy savings from heating the attic.
Instead of heating the attic, a practical option to reduce heat loss is to maximize attic insulation while also sealing structural cracks, gaps, and other openings in the ceiling of living spaces that allow rising heat to migrate into the cold attic. You may also want to consider an attic tent. it will help close a major source of both heat gain and heat loss in your home.
Heating the Garage
Heating a garage may have several benefits:
- Keeping vehicles and other possessions in the garage safe from freezing temperatures.
- Create a comfortable workspace, as some use their garage for projects, repairs, etc.
- Maintaining indoor temperatures. The infiltration of cold air into the home through the wall adjoining the garage is reduced when the garage is heated.
- Allows for easier and quicker future development. Some choose to upgrade the garage area to a small apartment, extra bedroom or family room.
A garage can be made heat-ready with a few steps:
- Insulate the garage walls and ceiling. In many residential garages, the internal structure is left open and studs and ceiling joists are exposed. This facilitates air-sealing and adding fiberglass insulation batts to garage walls and roof.
- Insulate the garage door with an insulation kit designed for this purpose.
- Efficient, full-time, garage-heating options include a ductless mini-split heat pump for continuous thermostat-controlled heating of the entire space, as well as cooling in the summer.
Ask the professionals at Jackson & Sons about more options for attic and garage heating.
