Freezing in extension

We moved into a spot with an extension that extends back behind our brownstone, which is where the children’s rooms are. But it’s freezing there with a noticeable chilly draft and we hope to improve it if we can. We had some insulation folks over who were not helpful (they said any insulation would trap heat in the summer and cold in the winter, making the situation worse.) We think something is wrong with the envelope of the extension. Any recommendations on who can help assess the problems and fix it? Thank you!

gowanusgus

in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago

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murph | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Drafts and cold ambient air are different problems. Drafty means the structure is not sealed. Tight windows(multi panes), exterior doors, and especially caulking are your focus. Losing adequate heating means a lack of insulation. Look above the ceiling toward the exterior envelope then the walls. Fed Energy Agency suggests foot-and-a- half of cellulose fill or equivalent. Do you have adequate heating sources, and do they work?
Nothing can be done until spring. Lots of time now to research and plan.

citizenjane | 8 years and 3 months ago

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What do you all think of radiant floor heating to heat an extension? Would that give enough heat to solve a problem like the one of gowanusgus or others?

bliz | 8 years and 3 months ago

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If you’re going to heat the space then you should insulate it first. I have no idea what your insulation “experts” are talking about, but unless something really weird is going on insulating the space will help keep it warmer.

chipito | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Try one of these? I used to work in an unheated basement and thing thing is quiet and emits heat like a radiator would. https://www.homedepot.com/p/DeLonghi-Full-Room-Oil-Filled-Radiant-Portable-Heater-TRD40615T/204631996

monaco | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Fujitsu XLTH (extra low temperature heating) or Mitsubishi Hyper Heat are very efficiency in winter months. I estimate they add approximately $200/month to the electric bill for a 3,000 square foot townhouse.

eman134 | 8 years and 3 months ago

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A ductless AC heat pump will cost a small fortune to run under local conditions
drop me an email at errol832000@hotmail.com I am a heating specialist

namahs | 8 years and 3 months ago

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What about installing a ductless AC heat pump on the extension.

eman134 | 8 years and 3 months ago

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jeez… you lack adequate heat for your extension.. You have to add a secondary heating source That solution will not be cheap

gowanusgus | 8 years and 3 months ago

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that’s another problem. we have an HVAC system but the extension is on the other side of the house. so no hot air barely gets there. maybe we should do a supplemental heating solution in those rooms (if so, what? can anyone recommend?) Thanks all.

eman134 | 8 years and 3 months ago

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what kind of heat do you have?

gowanusgus | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Thanks. We can’t find the source of the draft. The windows are pretty good and we have a warm drapes. Its the walls that are chilly.
Thanks so much dibs. Re: thermal leak detector. what type of contractor has one? We brought one insulator to our house who kind of said any insulation would make our issue worse, not better. (This stuck w/me because he was an insulator – I was ready to spend money and he would not take my business b/c he said it would be counterproductive.)

daveinbedstuy | 8 years and 3 months ago

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> @gowanusgus
“insulation would trap heat in the summer and cold in the winter, making the situation worse.” Could you explain what they meant by this? Agree with above that you need to figure out the drafts (use a thermal leak detector) and then insulate those points.

namahs | 8 years and 3 months ago

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    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Where is the source of the draft? window? are the walls properly insulated? do you have heating in the extension? Best bet is to eliminate the source of draft first and see if the heating is sufficient, if not.. add larger cast iron radiator?