Placing HVAC units in attics is cost-effective and easier to install. Running ductwork through the attic is simpler than threading it through floors and walls, reducing time and labor costs. Forced air systems, like furnaces or heat pumps, are typically the least expensive to install.
Building Science professionals say that a hot attic is just about the worst location for air conditioning ductwork, in terms of energy efficiency. Even when ducts are properly sealed and insulated (certainly not a given), the system will absorb some heat from the attic environment and will cost more to operate.
Air handlers for HVAC systems are often installed in attics. It gets the equipment out of living spaces and usually enables convenient routing of ducts to different rooms.
Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
If it's in a hurricane- or flood-prone area like the Gulf region, the equipment is likely to be safer from water damage in the attic than in the crawlspace. However, areas with high humidity or frequent freezing conditions, coupled with poor attic insulation, are better candidates for crawlspace placement.
The best place for ductwork is inside the thermal boundary of the house, not in an unconditioned, vented attic. Running unprotected ductwork through an attic can court problems. Particularly in hot-humid climates, moisture can collect on the outside of ducts in summer.
In summary, installing an AC unit in the attic can cost between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on your specific project. While this is a substantial investment, the benefits—like increased comfort, space savings, and potentially lower installation costs compared to other locations—can make it worthwhile.
Attic units can use more energy – The main negative aspect of attic air conditioning units is that tend to be inefficient from an energy usage perspective. Contractors typically try to increase efficiency by sealing all of the air ducts located in any attic space.
When the furnace is in the attic, its downflow design means that this type of installation can work for any house with a loft. Because of the location, you're forcing the warm air downward, which means there's no wastage of temperature. The furnace in the attic cost profile is highly competitive.
Ductless and Mini-Split System
A ductless or mini-split air conditioning system is an ideal solution in attics without existing ductwork.
Lower efficiency
An attic heat pump is exposed to more extreme temperatures than one in a basement or closet. These conditions can significantly reduce your systems efficiency. That leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
The air handler should be centrally located in the home in order to minimize ductwork run lengths to all rooms. Closets are better than the attic, but without enough room to do maintenance on your unit, small closets are not ideal.
In some cases, the air handlers simply are not insulated well enough in areas. This is typical if you find condensation or microbial growth around the air handler joints/connections to ductwork to the plenum. Simply put, add more insulation. You could also use an insulating HVAC paint they use on ducts.
Protection from damage: Placing the air handler in the attic helps protect it from potential damage caused by flooding, accidental impacts, or pests. Better air distribution: When the air handler is in the attic, it allows for more even air distribution throughout your home.
How long should ductwork last? You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.
Extra space is the most obvious reason for attic HVAC installations. This makes it an ideal option for homeowners who may have issues with space restrictions. While the concern of leaks may be an issue, it is something you can negate by properly sealing and insulating the ducts.
$5,000 – $6,000
The average cost for a new HVAC system is $3,250 to $12,550, which includes equipment and labor fees for the installation of a central AC unit and gas furnace. The chosen HVAC brand, necessary ductwork repair, and your location will influence the project cost.
Many states allow furnaces to be installed in attics, as long as strict national standards and state codes are followed.
One primary reason for installing the HVAC unit in the attic is space efficiency. While air handlers come in various sizes, modern designs strive to balance efficiency and performance with space considerations, aiming to minimize the footprint while still meeting the building's HVAC requirements.
Maintaining adequate attic ventilation is essential for the overall health of you and your home. Without proper ventilation, you risk mold mildew growth, general deterioration of your roofing system, and even increased respiratory problems due to this moisture accumulation.
Now, as promised, this month I'll talk a bit about the most common thing we see neglected in our HVAC systems…and that's the system air filter. Every year we get an abundance of calls, both residential and commercial, about the furnace not working properly.
Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.
The compressor is the most expensive component to replace in an AC unit, and it can cost up to $4,000. It's expensive for two major reasons. First, it's responsible for circulating the refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser coils. Secondly, it's a highly complex equipment with intricate details.
Between 4 and 8 Hours
The length of time will vary depending on the size of the unit and your home, the location it's installed, and the company you hire.