I'm looking to install a heat pump in my 50-year-old house and I want to know if I absolutely need a vapor barrier on my exterior walls. The exterior walls are constructed with vinyl siding, tar paper, shiplap, and are insulated with batt insulation that has faced paper, followed by more shiplap and paneling. The attic is insulated with cellulose and already has a vapor barrier covering the entire attic floor. My main heating source is electric baseboard heaters, and I'm worried about potential air condensation leading to mold and wood rot. I live in southern Ontario near Ottawa, dealing with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Any advice would be appreciated!
1 Answer
You don't need to worry too much about the heat source affecting your moisture control. Heat pumps operate independently of your existing heating system when it comes to moisture. In fact, they can help with dehumidifying the air, which is great for controlling moisture levels. Your baseboard heaters won't help with that, but just keep in mind that heat pumps do their part in managing humidity as well.
What if I use the cooling mode during the summer? Wouldn't that create moisture?