HVAC in the attic?

Bird · Aug 11, 2005

Has anyone had any experience with having HVAC equipment (evaporator, blow motor, etc.) in the attic of their home instead of in a closet at floor level? Any pros and cons would be appreciated. In the past, I can only remember talking to one person who had that arrangement and he said they had massive damage once from the condensation drain stopping up and water in the attic that he didn't know about until a lot of damage had been done.

Jeff396 · Aug 11, 2005

Hi Bird,

We've had one for 4 years now and haven't had a problem. The unit sits in a drain pan to catch any liquid that comes out where is't not supposed to. The pan is about 3" deep. In addition, there is a switch mounted on the edge of the pan with a float that will shut the whole thing down should any significant amount of water get into the pan. That's how it's supposed to work theoretically anyways but I suppose things can malfunction and then look out

We also have our water heater in the attic and it sits in a pan too. That's the one that worries me as I've had them leak where they will spray water and not just drip it.

Jeff

SimS · Aug 11, 2005

Bird;
HVAC units in the attic are very common here in Georgia. You have already figured out the number one problem. Condenstation drain issues. Some installers are now putting a drain pan, with separate drain piping, under the unit in case the primary drain gets clogged. The only way to be sure is to have regular preventive maintenance. Another issue may be noise. I have seen units suspended from roof rafters to isolate any noise or vibration from the living spaces. Check with your installer to get his installation techniques. Good luck.

Sim

Junkman · Aug 11, 2005

The drains clogging is a result of poor maintenance. Mold will grow in the drain lines and if not cleaned once a year will clog the line and result in back ups. Had this problem once on a roof top mounted HVAC unit and after that, learned that it is less expensive to have the unit serviced every spring before going into service. When PineRidge gets his lazy body out of bed, I am sure that he will comment further, since he was in the HVAC business in his younger days... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ByronBob · Aug 11, 2005

Forgive me, but why not leave the unit outside? All units here in NY are outside.

BB_TX · Aug 11, 2005

My son has his in the attic. He has had no problems, but the house is only about 5 yrs old. From what I have seen, the attic for HVAC seems to be the trend now in new homes.

bczoom · Aug 11, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Forgive me, but why not leave the unit outside? All units here in NY are outside. )</font>

Bob,

I think the the setup Bird is referring to is where the compressor (A/C unit or heat pump) sits outside but all the air handling equipment is in the attic as opposed to basement or first floor.

Bird,

I believe this is a very common practice in Florida. My neighbor up the road (in PA) just did the same thing as well.

Junk,

I was told to dump bleach into the drain line once a year to avoid this problem. I did have the problem in the past. The best way I found to clear it is to put a shop vac at the end (away from the air handler) and just suck all the water and slime out. It works well.

Brian

Junkman · Aug 11, 2005

What Bird is referring to is the "A" coil that the air flows over for cooling. The outside unit, the condenser, is still mounted on a pad on the outside. If you have central air conditioning, HVAC, (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) the "A" coil is usually mounted in the ductwork on the furnace. Today many units are made that are separate from the furnace and are located in the attic, since cold air is heavier than warm air. The heat comes from the floor and the A/C ducts are in the ceiling. These units have their own blower known as a air handler. Junk.

BB_TX · Aug 11, 2005

Speaking of air conditioners. Saw part of a story on the evening news last night about them. Apparently beginning the first of next year, new ac units have to meet a much higher energy efficiency factor and the cost will double. Current units can only be manufactured/installed until the end of the year. Don't know if that was just Texas or national.