AC air-handler , attic or closet?

19 years ago

I live in South Florida in a single family home. My split HVAC system is dying and I need to get a new system soon. The air-handler sits in the small hot attic which makes it pain to service of change filters. IÂve got a few estimates and about half the contractor recommending moving the unit to a closet instead of the attic. I am torn about what to do. If I move it to the closet I need to get my alarm system box moved to the other side of the closet by the alarm company. Plus I will loose some precious storage space. I am also wondering if the noise level would be more with the unit in the closet. The only plus about having it in the closet is the easy access for service.

Attic or closet?? What do you think?

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Comments (7)

daddo
19 years ago
In my opinion the only time an air handler should be considered for attic installation is when the attic is large enough to stand up in, and even then if it can be installed in it's own closet- the better.
Since most of the contractors have mentioned it, I would go thru the trouble now and get it done.
Noise is relavent to the brand of air handler and if the space below the platform for the air handler is insulated or lined with a sound board- *must be fireproof.
energy_rater_la
19 years ago
I agree with relocating the system to an interior closet.
Unit will be easier to service plus last longer & perform better in a conditioned space. Just make sure that you sheetrock the closet, and seal it well.

Best of luck.
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busboy
19 years ago
I have attic units and I am sure they are not as efficient as having the air handler in a conditioned space. Gotta be some heat/cooling loss especially in a hot FL attic. Do you have a large enough crawl space? Might be worth considering though might have different set of problems.
ivillager
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you guys for the input. Unfortunately moving the alarm box a couple of feet is going to cost me. It has about 25 wires coming out of it . ADT will charge me $113 for 1st half hour and $22 for each additional 15min. God knows how many hours will take to figure out the spaghetti of wires. Considering that I had the old unit in the attic for 14 years with no problems and the contractors were 50/50 on relocating the unit, I am leaning more toward keeping the unit up in the attic. I feel sorry for anyone who has to install these units in the attics of Florida.If anyone is in to sitting in hot sauna, you can use my attic free of charge.
busboy
19 years ago
Make sure the attic is properly vented. Are roof or gable fans an option? Installing reflective foil in the rafters will also help. If the temp in the attic is kept under control then having the airhandler there is not a problem. Also make sure you insulation is up to snuff. For you this would be primaraly to reduce the heat GAIN in the house
ivillager
Original Author
19 years ago
I am looking into getting gable fans also. I have to reaserch the subject a little bit as well.
ivillager
Original Author
19 years ago
Got Trane XL16I installed in the closet yesterday. I am very happy with it so far. Thank you guys for replying.