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).

Is HVAC better in attic or basement?

In summer months, the AC airflow temperatures will be considerably lower (cooler) for systems located in a basement or crawlspace, when compared with HVAC systems located in vented attics.

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.

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.

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.

3 Secrets HVAC Contractors Don't Want You to Know!

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.

Can HVAC be in basement?

Oftentimes, basements are where you can find major home systems that make homes function the way they do. Furnaces, water heaters, water softeners, gas lines, main water line shutoff, and more can sometimes be found in the basement of your home.

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.

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.

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.

Why would you put a furnace in the attic?

A furnace installed in the attic can just vent exhaust through a hole in the roof directly outside instead of having to pass it through ducts first. This saves you the cost of both purchasing and installing those ducts, which can be a pretty solid amount of money.

Can attic heat affect air conditioning?

The Bottom Line: Your attic is literally killing your A/C system. Hot attics steal away capacity from your system, which robs efficiency and wreaks havoc on your comfort. Utility bills soar, while air quality plummets.

Why you should not install a heat pump in your attic?

Heat pumps can only operate to a certain point before they are no longer capable of providing the heating that the home needs; if you locate the part of the system that distributes the hot air to your home in the attic, it will lose its effectiveness much faster than if the unit was properly located within the heated ...

What is the HVAC unit in the attic called?

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.

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.

Does it matter where you put an AC unit?

In short – yes, it does matter! There are several things that need to be considered before choosing a location when installing an air conditioning unit. The main factors are finding a location that both maximizes the unit's efficiency and is convenient for the homeowner.

How far does AC unit need to be from house?

In general, you want the line sets or the refrigerant lines to be less than 50 feet away from a house. Doing this will allow your air conditioning system to have the best performance.

Which wall is best for AC?

Placing AC on a Longer Wall

In case of a room of a rectangular shape, the indoor AC unit should be preferably placed on the longer wall to trap the cooling in the room.

Do I need HVAC in my basement?

When finishing a basement, installing a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be vital for controlling temperature and humidity.

Should you have a cold air return in basement?

Every house should have proper air return throughout the house including the basement. Believe it or not, every room, including the basement should be the same temperature. Ensuring good placement of cold air returns is critical to ensure proper distribution of air flow.

How much is an HVAC system for a basement?

While several factors determine how much it costs to install an HVAC system, generally, HVAC units cost between $4,850 and $9,400. On top of that, installing the HVAC system would cost between $4,000 and $5,000 for 1000 square feet and between $9,000 and $10,000 for 3,000 square feet.

Should ductwork be insulated in an attic?

When HVAC ducts are installed in a vented attic in a dry climate, bury the ducts in attic insulation to protect them from temperature extremes in the unconditioned attic space. Install ductwork so that it is in direct contact with (i.e., laying on) the ceiling and/or truss lower cords.

Can a high efficiency furnace be installed in attic?

High-efficiency furnaces shouldn't be installed in attics because they can get damaged easily when exposed to extreme temperatures.

How are attics ventilated?

Attic Ventilation Basics

Intake vents are located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves, high on the sides of the house within a gable, or as shingled intake vents that are installed on a low part of the roof. These vents allow cool air to enter the attic.