So why put an hvac system up in the attic at all.
Air attic to basement.
An outdoor unit which houses the fan condenser and compressor and an indoor unit which holds the evaporator and fan.
We currently have an old 1980s air exchanger in our attic split entry home.
Two large pipes or ducts extend from the package unit.
We will be replacing it with an hrv shortly.
Obviously it would be way easier just to keep it all in the attic and save room but i want to do what is best.
How much depends on many factors humans showers cooking plants opening doors and windows etc.
As hot air generated by the furnace rises up through the house and into the attic through leaks cold outside air gets drawn in through basement leaks to replace the displaced air.
Or can we keep all in the attic.
Usually a basement has much less air volume than the upstairs areas of a home.
Keep heating and air conditioning components clear.
That s true although the warm upstairs air will typically have more entrained moisture than the air in the basement.
But what i m trying to determine is should we go out of our way to change all the duct work and install the hrv in our basement.
Most updated central air conditioned homes have a new air conditioner split system meaning the ac is broken up into parts.
Unfinished basements typically house furnaces air handlers and other hvac components.
Outside air drawn in through basement leaks is exacerbated by the chimney effect created by leaks in the attic.
Well mainly it s a way to save space.
Installing your hvac unit in the attic can free up space for these uses.
Today the hvac guy asked why we re not putting the air handler in the attic.
But i think it s more an issue of volume.
The basement is already framed to include a 10 5 x 10 2 utility room.
The 2nd duct is the return duct that attaches to the return air vents and draws the stale air out of the house through the filter and conditions it again to return.
Any wiring or plumbing on top of the ceiling joist will have to be rerouted as to avoid contact with flooring being installed.
Some houses run duct work for heating and air conditioning through the attic while others have the complete unit in the attic.
Attic hvac systems save space.
Basement stopping the chimney effect.
When designing a floorplan for your finished basement you ll want to develop a way to enclose your appliances for aesthetic and functional reasons without closing them off entirely.
We had planned to have all hvac components water heater electric panels and low voltage components in that room.
Cooling your home does not have to involve investment in high price central air systems as homes with basements can use cool basement air to.