Attic versus Ground Floor HVAC

[blakeljb]

Am remodeling a house in Texas. Have heard different opinions on an Attic versus a ground floor HVAC installation in a one story home. Does anyone have a website/info on the pros/cons, efficiency/immediate/long term cost

Thanks

[BaldLoonie]

Keeping ducts and the unit out of the attic is wise. Even insulated ducts pick up attic heat. Plus murder to work on the unit up there. Are you on a crawl space?

[blakeljb]

Pier and beam, can get under but not easily. Any thoughts on how to minimize/insulate for the noise from the HVAC if its on the main floor?

[catmanacman]

i wold rather repair a unit in the attic than crawl under a house i do not see a problem with the unit in the attic

[cehs]

I have been told/advised to up size AC, by half a ton, when installed in an atic.
That tells me that there is less efficiency to the living space for cost of operation.

As for quiet operation, look into varriable speed blowers for the air handler/furnace.

[ibis1]

You might also look into minisplit (ductless) units. Don't know about the noise factor, you would have to ask some of the pro's that have installed them. Good luck which ever way you go. ibis1:spitball:

[Kevin O'Neill]

I have been told/advised to up size AC, by half a ton, when installed in an atic.


Your load calculation should include duct gain and loss. There is no need to add an additional fudge factor to that.

[bmathews]

If you're considering running the ducts in a crawlspace. I would only use metal ducts. Too many critters live under houses and most of us in the business do not like crawling under houses. I would only run the ducts in the attic, you'll pick up a little heat or lose a little, but it is negligible. As far as putting the unit in a closet, it will be a little noisier and will take up floorspace. Just make sure they line the return under the unit with ductboard, that will quiet it down some. Putting the unit in an attic is good. It gets it out of your house and is quieter. If you do. Make sure they put secondary drain pans from plenum end to plenum end. That will keep water from coming through the sheetrock at anytime. That is the best protection I have found. Float switches are fine, but are not guaranteed. I have found that Murphy loves moving into spare bedrooms, no matter how much you try to prevent him, especially after a remodel.

[lentz]

We like the crawl place better. As for noise we put a piece of 1" styrofoam (4 X 8) over the unit, screwed to bottom of the floor joist.
No Condensation problem of water coming through the ceiling. No ceiling penetration and not hot in the summer for serviceing. Shorter freon lines.

[fritzhvac]

CLOSET!!!!!! If you have space,lot easier to stay up on maintanance and changing those filters.Your going to hear it no matter what...

[crmont]

CLOSET!!!!!! If you have space,lot easier to stay up on maintanance and changing those filters.Your going to hear it no matter what...

AND FURTHERMORE

(Rant on)

The reason systems get installed in the attic is because no one has to actually fabricate an honest to goodness sheet metal fitting. DON'T BE FOOLED. Don't install in an attic. If the ductwork is correct the system will be as quiet as a mouse no matter where it's installed.

HVAC companies have reduced themselves to enlarging gable vents, building catwalks, convincing customers that heat really doesn't rise, using filter grilles, ect..:gah:

You will spend more time and money than it would have cost to send a sheet metal guy to measure up and do it right. SOMEONE has to work on the :censored: thing!

I feel better.

(Rant off)