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Heating & Air Conditioning

Attic vs basement air handler for central A/C

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I have an older system, air handler is in tiny crawlspace attic.
Prior homeowners must have used a crane and opened up roof to install this thing.
Our HVAC maintenance contractor said he would recommend that when we replaced,
to put the air handler in the basement and tap into the heating ducts.
We already have larger cooling ducts, properly placed, not so thrilled with his idea.
What is the additional cost (and time) to replace the air handler in the attic ?
Cutting open the roof and having it repaired seems necessary and expensive.
Is it worth the extra expense or would it be a marginal difference in cooling ?

Featured Answer

sktn77a

7 years ago

Well, the duct system was designed based upon the existing placement of the air handler. Moving it may create unexpected issues with airflow. I highly doubt the previous owners took off the roof and used a crane to install it so there must be an alternative solution (eg disassembling the case to get it into the attic and reassembling it there, modular air handler/coil combos, etc). You'd be amazed what experienced installers can get into an impossibly small space!

Get a couple more assessments of the situation before you make a decision.

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Comments (6)

klem1
7 years ago
^^^^ What he said,^^^^^
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Barry Levine
Original Author
7 years ago
Proposal was to use existing heating ducts from basement rather than existing ac ducts from attic. When I bought house, there was an obvious patch if newer roofing tiles right where the air handler was located.
mike_home
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
How large is the house, and is it one or two stories? Does the AC handler in the attic cool the whole house or is there a second unit? How do you enter the attic from inside the house?
Barry Levine
Original Author
7 years ago
2000 sq ft. 2 stories . 1 unit is sufficiently cooling main and upper floors.. Only considering replacement as the unit is very old. Not sure exactly how old, but I own the home 20 years and it did not appear to be new when I moved in.. Probably 25-30 yrs old.. Replaced compressor a few years back, but since it was an urgent replacement, did not deal with the longer term issue of the air handler and ducts.
mike_home
7 years ago
It seems strange that you have independent heating and cooling duct work. Is this an old house? Maybe the AC was installed after the house was built or underwent a major renovation?

The heating duct work could be used if it is large enough to handle the air flow. The furnace becomes the air handler. If the furnace is old then it may make sense to buy a new furnace when the coil is installed. I think installing air handlers and duct work in uninsulated attics is should be avoided whenever possible. So moving everything to the basement would be a good idea.

If you want to keep the air handler in the attic then enlarging the access to the attic should be easier and cheaper than opening up the roof and hiring a crane.

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