If possible, keep your indoor HVAC unit as close to the center of your home as you can. This will reduce the amount of ductwork you'll need, saving you money on repairs and your energy bills. Other ideal locations for the indoor unit include pantries, utility closets, basements, or small closets in a middle hallway.
A furnace that is placed in an odd spot can result in a long journey through the heating ducts that ultimately consumes more energy than necessary. A central area doesn't necessarily mean the center of your home. However, many experts do recommend placing a furnace as close to the middle of your home as possible.
Basements: In homes that have them, basements are the perfect place for a furnace. The system is kept out of the way but also has adequate space and airflow. The only provision here is that the furnace should be elevated off the ground to protect it against potential basement flooding.
If possible, the furnace should be centrally located in the home to reduce the amount of ducting needed which can help save you energy and money.
Most furnaces are installed in the center of your home, either in a special utility closet or downstairs in the basement. If your home doesn't have a basement, it may also be in a crawl space or the attic. You may find other equipment like the water heater or your washing machine in the same area.
The short answer is – yes, you can move a furnace to the attic. HVAC companies have been installing furnaces in attics for decades. You'll find quite a few attic furnaces in states where basements are uncommon, like California.
The unofficial distance most people recommend as enough space for an HVAC unit is 30 inches. I.e. General opinion accepts that an allowance of at least 30 inches all around the heating system is enough. That means; you should place the furnace at least 30 inches from the nearest wall.
Your HVAC technician also needs access to all sides of the equipment in order to perform routine maintenance, which is why we avoid installing equipment in a tight hallway closet. Unconfined spaces such as an attic, basement, garage, or utility room are also an option for your HVAC Equipment.
Ideally, the middle of your home is the most prudent spot for an indoor HVAC unit. It's easily reachable, won't need as much ducting (if yours isn't a ductless system like a mini split), and repairs and maintenance will be easy.
Better yet, install your thermostat at least 1 stud away from the heater. Moving a thermostat out of the same wall cavity as a heater will help performance.
Here's a quick rundown of the best practices:
Fan heaters work best on an inside wall; baseboards are best under a window. (But you can install fan heaters on outside walls and baseboards on inside walls.)
As reported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating systems like furnaces are a major factor of home fires, leading to almost 50,000 blazes, 500 civilian deaths and more than $1 billion in significant property damage each year.
Why You Should Leave Space Around Your Furnace. Most furnaces require roughly 30 inches of space on all sides to function properly. This will not only ensure the unit experiences adequate airflow and ventilation, but will allow enough room for a certified HVAC technician to service it.
To run most efficiently, your furnace will need a space with ample fresh air, a source of natural gas, and proper ventilation. These necessary components can be found in large spaces like basements, utility rooms, and garages as well as confined spaces like an attic or closet.
For your furnace to run efficiently and your home to heat evenly, this airflow must be in balance. In other words, the amount of air that your furnace “breathes in” must equal the amount of air it “breathes out.” Cold air returns are what allow your furnace to “inhale” your home's air.
If possible, keep your indoor HVAC unit as close to the center of your home as you can. This will reduce the amount of ductwork you'll need, saving you money on repairs and your energy bills. Other ideal locations for the indoor unit include pantries, utility closets, basements, or small closets in a middle hallway.
A furnace is typically installed in the basement, but moving your furnace to the attic or having a furnace installed in your attic can provide greater convenience and safety. If your attic is fully insulated, installing a furnace in the upper portion of your home may be a good consideration.
Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.
A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.
Furnace Room Ventilation
Generally speaking, there should be one square inch of ventilation space per 1,000 British thermal units per hour of input (Btu/h). Your HVAC professional can determine the correct vent sizes and install an appropriate ventilation system.
Your furnace should be serviced at least once a year, ideally in the fall before the heating season begins. Recommended maintenance includes cleaning the filters, checking the burner and heat exchanger, and inspecting electrical connections.
Furnaces and air handlers within compartments or alcoves shall have a minimum working space clearance of 3 inches (76 mm) along the sides, back and top with a total width of the enclosing space being at least 12 inches (305 mm) wider than the furnace or air handler.
How Much Clearance Does HVAC Need? Make sure your HVAC unit has at least one foot of clearance around it, with two to three feet of space being better. This recommended spacing includes the distance between the HVAC unit and other structures like fences, buildings, shrubs, masonry, etc.
5ft above the floor
Heat rises, so if your thermostat is very high up the wall it will give you an inflated reading and tell your boiler to cool the house down. About 5ft above the floor is the most common place to install your thermostat for an accurate average reading.