How to use cool basement air to cool the upstairs.
Pullimg basement air to attic.
You ll need to find a corner such as in a closet to build a duct chase to get ducts from basement to attic.
You ll also need to provide a return path from a basement air handler or main level return to the second floor.
Run the fan for this unit continuously 24 hours a day on a low speed when the unit is not calling for a c to help recirculate the cold basement air.
I am planning to run an 8 round conduit from basement to attic and in attic split that into four 6 conduit and take it into the middle of 4 bedrooms in the 2nd floor.
For instance use a flexible duct from the air handler through the attic to the point you ve chosen to start downward then switch to round or rectangular sheet metal from the attic to the basement.
Cooling your home does not have to involve investment in high price central air systems as homes with basements can use cool basement air to.
Learn more in this attic insulation guide.
It doesn t act as well as a whole house airconditioner but it does keep the air moving and pulling cool air from the basement.
Sealing attic basement floor air heat leaks to save energ case study.
I will need to figure out how to have a valve system in place so that only the valve to the 6 duct will only.
Air leak repairs in buildings.
Superinsulating for heating cost reduction in a 1926 down east home and finding sealing air leaks to gain major energy savings in an older building guide to sealing air and heat leaks in buildings sealing heat and air leaks at chimneys floors plumbing and electrical penetrations.
While the air leaks around windows and doors are significant and most noticeable you are probably losing a lot more air and energy in your attic and basement.
However in the last house i would open the basement door and turn the attic fan on to pull the cool air up.
Without all the furnace air conditioner hardware and ugly ductwork the basement can be a great spot to put a rec room a home theater or even an extra bedroom or two.
Works well enough except on the hot muggy days.
In many homes the combined air leaks in these two areas add up to a half window being open all day long.
An inline duct fan near the bedroom ceiling vent will pull and an 8 duct fan in the basement will push.
The style has a name and for the life of me i cant remember it just now.
Installing your hvac unit in the attic can free up space for these uses.
As long as there s an unobstructed path e g no door that can be closed the upstairs doesn t need a dedicated return.
Do not disconnect the high wall return near the attic access but add more if you can to take the hot air off the ceiling.