In homes across America, you will usually find that the basement is where the furnace has been located. The basement is easy to access and provides an excellent spot to locate the heart of your heating system. Unfortunately, in California, it is extremely unusual to find a home with a basement, so contractors usually install a floor furnace or closet furnace. While this may work well in some homes, it isn’t the only place where your furnace can be located. In many cases, the furnace can be moved from a closet and into your attic. Before taking this step, you need to assess the situation to determine if it is the right choice for your home. Here are just some things you should consider before you begin.
Is the Space Needed?
The most obvious reason to relocate your furnace is that the space is needed. Usually, attics are merely used as long term storage for those items you rarely use, but don’t want to throw away. This means that installing a furnace will not really impact the storage space in the attic, but it will free up a closet in the main living space. Additionally, if the closet is located next to a bathroom or bedroom, it provides an excellent opportunity for a little remodeling.
It Could Reduce the Noise:
Another common complaint about having a closet furnace is that it can be a little noisy. While many modern furnaces tend to be far quieter compared to their older counterparts, they can still disturb your sleep if the closet is near to the bedroom. By relocating the furnace into the attic, you will create a sound barrier, to avoid noise disturbance.
More Even Distribution of Heat:
When an attic furnace has been professionally sized and installed, you should be able to enjoy more even distribution of heat around the home. This means that you may be able to eliminate those troublesome cold spots that are quite common in many homes.
Access for Servicing and Maintenance:
Before you start to think that everything is positive about an attic furnace, you need to consider how easy it would be to access the furnace for servicing and maintenance. Most closet furnaces are very easy to service, whereas if your attic has restricted access, it may be trickier.
You May Be Restricted to Certain Furnace Models:
Finally, you need to be aware that when you are installing a furnace in an attic, you may be restricted to certain models. Many high efficiency furnaces are not recommended for attic installation, and you may find that there is a drop in efficiency when the furnace is located in an unconditioned space like your attic. Since we enjoy mild winters in California, the furnace issues often experienced with placement in an uninsulated attic are not particularly a concern.
If you are debating moving your furnace to your attic, you should speak to a professional heating specialist. A technician will assess the particular layout of your home, to determine if it is viable and advise you of the options which are best suited to your needs.