Attic heat

Steamhead (in transit)

with very low electric rates, you'll find electric heaters very expensive to operate. Despite the greater effort involved, getting steam up there might be the way to go.

<A HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=367&Step=30">To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"</A>

Betty_5

Attic heat

Guys,
I am looking to heat a finished attic of approx 400 sq ft with electric heat. Its too involved to get steam up there.
The room is approx 26 by12 with 9ft ceilings (average it vaults).
What has been the experience of the group with fan forced wall heater as compared to electric baseboard>
Thanks to all of you.

Betty

Andrew Hagen_4

Rinnai

A Rinnai wall heater might be a good option also.

betty_6

dd

Guys,
Thanks for your response.
I dont have gas in the house.
My electric rates are about .12/kwh.
Any recommendations on electric heaters?

JJ_4

Thermostat/controller

I don't have a recommendation for electric heaters....but if you end up with electric baseboard use a triac thermostat like this one:

http://www.aubetech.com/products/produitsDetails.php?noProduit=4&noLangue=2

They don't say this on the site, but from what I understand this varies the current....so you only have the wattage output needed for the BTU's calculated to maintain setpoint. Regardless, even approximated proportional control with triacs is better than on/off any day.

I've had these for 5 years with silicon filled electric baseboard. They have been reliable and keep the temperature within 1 degree of setpoint all of the time.

mark ransley

.12 kwh is still 30% higher than Ng in my midwest area, a Ng flex line might be cheap to run and have a small wall furnace. Heat rises, with your insulated remodel you might not need more than 1 or 2 electric space heaters until you figure your options. I have my finished attic radiators off and am still 60f at 0f outside.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

You might want to consider a mini-split inverter unit, especially if you have any need for air conditioning. These are extremely efficient and not terribly expensive.

Electric baseboard is inexpensive and quite comfortable but will be rather expensive to run at $0.12/kWH. I hope you have good insulation!

nicholas bonham-carter

attic heating

what about a hot water loop off your boiler?it could use small pipes and radiators and be much cheaper to run.also the pipes are more flexible for "snaking" up than steam pipes.chances are you will need to run some wiring up there for your heat so why not pex tubing for hot water?--nbc