Should You Install A Furnace In Your Attic?

Attic furnace installation is a possibility that can provide many benefits. It's important to know the pros and cons before going with this option, though.

Benefits

There are quite a few benefits when it comes to furnace installation in your attic, particularly in homes with larger attics with full-size access points.

Easier Access

If your home only has a small crawlspace, it may be difficult to access the furnace if it is installed in that location. In many homes, the attic can be reached by a large door or hatch. There may even be a dedicated stairwell that leads to the attic. This easy access can make the initial installation along with the ongoing maintenance much easier.

Space Saving

A furnace can take up quite a bit of space, which means you lose the use of a closet or part of a utility room. If space is at a premium in your home, then installing the furnace in the attic can free up the furnace closet or nook for other uses. This is especially the case in homes where the attic is an otherwise unused space or only used for a small amount of storage.

Lower Cost

It may cost less to install the furnace in the attic. This due to easier accessibility that makes it faster to complete the job. There is also less distance to cover when installing the furnace vent system since this is typically routed to the roof. A shorter vent system means lower parts cost during installation.

Challenges

There are some drawbacks when it comes to an attic installation, though, which is likely why they are not a common option. Most can be overcome, but usually at a cost.

Efficiency Issues

Heat rises, which means that your furnace is more likely to recirculate warm air as opposed to moving out the cold air from lower in the house. For this reason, you may need to raise the thermostat settings or the furnace may run longer than usual. Combining the furnace with an attic fan that forces the hot air back into the lower levels can help counteract this problem.

Heat Damages

In the summer the high heat in the attic can be great enough to damage furnace components. For example, ductwork may flex and warp in the heat, developing gaps and air leaks. Reversing the attic fan to help blow out hot air helps, as does having substantial insulation in the roof. 

Contact a furnace installation service to find out whether an attic furnace is a good choice in your home. 


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