Why should you relocate your air handler.
Cost to move heating unit into attic.
Well mainly it s a way to save space.
While there are several issues i m still unclear on the biggest decision is going to be the location of the new unit so i d appreciate input from the pros.
So if you plan on moving your unit due to remodeling renovations or other circumstances keep in mind there is an extra cost associated with doing so.
I m getting closer to decision day on a new unit install but am yet to receive a proposal from a contractor whom i feel totally confident with in part due to conflicting information.
But hvac professionals agree it s not ideal.
Depending on how complex this move is and especially if moving into living space it might pay to have an architect work out the.
A furnace can suffer from a drop in energy efficiency if it s in an unconditioned space such as an attic.
Most updated central air conditioned homes have a new air conditioner split system meaning the ac is broken up into parts.
It s easier for technicians to service a closet furnace although the difference isn t too significant.
A heater and ac combo is worth installing if your repair costs on the old unit are coming close to 30 of the cost of a new unit.
Last but not least the new position of the hvac unit has to be re leveled and the whole system has to be restarted.
Adding hvac to the attic costs between 40.
Not cheap but if the unit is old and nearing its useful life can be a smart decision versus having to go through major new installation cost maybe just a couple or few years down the road when the old unit dies.
As long as the attic furnace is professionally installed you can expect a more even heating distribution through your house.
What all of this amounts to in terms of cost could approach 1000 so if your hvac relocation is part of a remodeling or new addition project make sure to budget for this extra cost of relocation.
After all the attic is full of empty space.
So why put an hvac system up in the attic at all.
Finishing an attic could be the right move.
An outdoor unit which houses the fan condenser and compressor and an indoor unit which holds the evaporator and fan.
Hvac package unit prices are impacted by the brand the seer rating and the contractor s labor.
So having your air handler in your attic isn t a great idea but what s the big deal.
It turns out that the attic is an inefficient space for your air handler and inefficiency means higher utility bills.
Another factor on moving a furnace depending on your model it may well not be convertible or the right flow direction for attic installation for instance a basement or garage mounted unit will commonly be ipflow the heated air comes out the top whereas an attic mounted furnace will usually be side vent the hot air comes out.
In addition the unit must be re leveled the pad moved and the system restarted.
Attic hvac systems save space.
Depending on the length of the move with parts and labor it could cost 500 750 or more.