Is it better to have duct work in the attic or crawl space?

AC ducting will work better in the attic as the colder air will enter the rooms and flow down. Hot air will rise into the returns. Where are you getting the info that crawl space is more efficient? Maybe less heat transfer into the ducts, but air flow will be worse.

Is it better to have ductwork in attic or crawl space?

Ductwork in the conditioned space is far more efficient. At its most basic, the temperature gradient between the air inside and outside the ductwork is reduced, which reduces the amount of energy lost through the sleeve of the ductwork.

Why is it not a good idea to run ductwork through attic spaces?

Running unprotected ductwork through an attic can court problems. Particularly in hot-humid climates, moisture can collect on the outside of ducts in summer. Encapsulating ducts in closed-cell foam or following code-prescribed methods for burying ducts in insulation can prevent the problem.

Is it better to put HVAC in attic?

Pro: Attic Installations Save Labor and Cost Less

One reason that attic air conditioners happen is because they're cheaper and easier to install. It's a lot simpler for your installer to leave ductwork loose, rather than having to cover it and wind it through floors and walls.

Is it better to have HVAC in basement or attic?

Bottom line, most technicians will tell you there isn't a massive difference between servicing a basement HVAC system and servicing a system up in the attic. Some pests prefer the attic, but other pests prefer the basement (or the garage, or that big storage closet of yours).

Crawl Spaces : Good vs Bad

What is the disadvantage in having ducts in the ceiling?

Cons of ceiling vents

Exposes HVAC system to unconditioned spaces – Attics tend to be dusty and prone to extreme temperatures, which can add wear-and-tear on the equipment and increase heat transfer loss.

Where is the best place to put a HVAC system?

Center of Home

If possible, the indoor unit should be placed in the center of your home. This will reduce the amount of ducting needed, which also reduce the amount of work your unit has to take on. So, you'll save money on your energy bill and also make repairs easier and cheaper.

How long does duct work last in attic?

If the ductwork is poorly connected or has multiple holes, the air pressure in the vents is lost. This article will cover the details around replacing ductwork in the attic and address questions like when to replace ductwork for your HVAC furnace. HVAC ducts last up to 10-15 years but require constant maintenance.

Is it bad to have a furnace in the attic?

An attic furnace, or any furnace that is located above ground level, is less likely to flood. Installing a heater in the attic provides safety in flood-prone locations. Even when furnaces are installed on the main floor, floodwaters frequently overflow the first floor, severely damaging the equipment.

How do I run ductwork in my attic?

Can you bury ducts in insulation?

That means no condensation. But if you bury that supply duct in fiberglass or cellulose insulation, which allow attic air to reach the duct's surface, all bets are off. As you pile more and more insulation on top of the duct, the surface temperature of the insulation jacket (a vapor barrier) drops.

Does ductwork need to be insulated in conditioned space?

No insulation is required for ducts in conditioned space. In some areas of the country, conditioned crawlspaces and attics may need to meet specific code requirements. Several PATH Field Evaluations and other projects evaluated the cost and effect on trades of bringing ductwork into conditioned space.

Can I put HVAC in crawl space?

If you encapsulate the crawl space, adding a little bit of air from the HVAC system is probably the most common method used. If there's already a duct system down there, it's easy and inexpensive to do. The air from the system helps to dry out the crawl space air.

Where should a furnace be located in a house?

Typically your furnace is centrally located in the home. It is usually located in an area such as a utility closet (by a cold air return), garage, attic, basement, or crawlspace; in the case of a heat-pump (a dual-system) it will be located outside of the home.

How can I hide ductwork in my attic?

To make the duct covers decorative and the area look balanced, build a "false" duct cover on the opposite side of the attic. To make the ducts easy to access even though covered, attach the top or side plywood with hinges. Cover the plywood with drywall or finish with paint or stain to decorate.

How do I keep my attic warm in the winter?

Can you put a 90 percent furnace in an attic?

It's just as safe for it to be in the attic as it is in the basement. Keep a 90 percent furnace out of an attic if you have cold temperatures. If it's less than 90 percent it will be less efficient.

Does the furnace need to be in the center of the house?

Energy Intake: The furnace needs to be located somewhere in your home where there is either a natural gas line connection or sufficient electrical connection. Venting: The furnace needs to be installed where there is either a pre-existing furnace vent or the capacity to install one in the ceiling.

What kind of ductwork is best?

Flexible ductwork is the best type of ductwork to use in tight or awkward spaces where rigid ductwork would be too difficult to install. Because these air ducts are flexible, they can bend around fixed structures to work in almost any space.

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?

“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

When should you consider replacing the duct work in your home?

Is it better to have air vents on the floor or ceiling?

Ceiling and floor vents are equally as efficient, but floor vents can be slightly more efficient by providing less resistance to airflow. Ceiling-mounted vents generally have better cooling potential, whereas floor vents typically provide greater heat transfer.

What location should be avoided in installing an air conditioning unit?

Since the location of your air conditioner has a significant impact on efficiency, you should avoid placing your indoor unit close to heat sources.

How many AC vents should be in a room?

Using a standard airflow table, your bedroom should change its airflow five to six times per house, while a bathroom should have at least six to seven.