The furnace at the cabin is in the attic. i have no concerns.

part of your due dilligance would be tonhave rhe property inspected.

i do not see how someone on the internet can help you with the info you provided. to answer your questions would require an onsite inspection, with gauges to measure the airflow/temp.

My furnace is in my attic. The ducts look a bit sloppy but the location of the furnace is fine. I would not want one furnace doing two floors because it’s hard to regulate temperature and would be illegal if there are two units (fire…)

A Mat -- I don't expect someone on the internet to help me decide -- I just want to know if this is unusual. In my current home the furnace is on the 3rd floor but this place is only 30 years old so ductwork is original. The building in the photo dates to 1896 and I've never seen one like it.

Hi Hallet -- I plan to use both floors so I thought if ductwork is feasible I'd have a furnace in the basement that does it all. I thought a furnace in a dry attic would be a no no. Of course I'd have it inspected. I'm just getting started.

I see no issue with the furnace and duct in the attic. Maybe make sure the ducting isn't kinked in the bends but other than that the age of the furnace might be good to know.

What does bother me more than the furnace is the condition of the roof rafters, and roofing system. I notice some rafters have some sistering of additional lumber and I can't tell for sure but there may be a good sag in the roof. I also noticed one rafter in the left of the picture have signs of potential dry rot.

Have your inspector focus on the roof and tell him to sick a knife in the bottom of each rafter to see if it's indeed dry rotted.

Meeting the HVAC needs of both levels with an air handler(s) located in the basement is viable provided you have adequate area for the supply and return ductwork that will need to pass through the 1st floor and 2nd floor. Whether you need one or two units will depend on the heating and cooling loads and the control strategy.

While it's preferable for an air handler to be located within a conditioned space for energy efficiency and to prevent condensation in air conditioning mode, they can certainly function in an unconditioned attic space. An alternative that won't require you to give up area for supply and return ductwork is to construct a conditioned mechanical room in the attic to house the air handler for the 2nd floor. It is best practice to run main supply and return trunks constructed of sheet metal to minimize the lengths (and pressure drop) of flex duct.

Kevin & Charles

This is more valuable advice. I really appreciate the time you've taken to consider my question. I'm actually looking at this building from another city but will be meeting with the owner in a month or so (I hope). There's no rush on my part so I can have the inspections you suggest. While the "dry" wood in the attic was a concern, I hadn't thought of rot. And the suggestions about ductwork and containing the furnace will be looked at. One step at a time. Thank you!

" The building in the photo dates to 1896 and I've never seen one like it. "

I haven't either but it's safe to say it's out of warranty.

Is there any insulation under the attic floor? If not then that and adequate ventilation would be on the top list of things to be addressed.