We installed a new central heating and cooling system in the Kuppersmith Project house, with much of the ductwork and one of the HVAC units located in the attic.
Icynene foam insulation was sprayed in the exterior walls as well as between the rafters in the attic. Icynene foam insulation is made from caster bean oil and quickly expands to 100 times its size upon contact.
Installing foam insulation between the rafters – instead of in the ceiling, as is done with fiberglass and cellulose insulation – turned the attic into a semi-conditioned space that will remain within 10 degrees of the conditioned interior of the house. It also eliminated the need for ventilation in the attic; which will reduce problems with dust, pollen, moisture, and mold in the attic.
Since ductwork for the HVAC system is located in the attic, conditioning the space takes much of the strain off the heating/cooling system. This will make the HVAC system more energy efficient, since the conditioned air in the ducts and the HVAC unit will not be exposed to the extreme temperatures found in most attics.
Watch this video to find out more.
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