Attic install directly over return air louver?

irwin_fletcher · Feb 21, 2008

Hi,

First post, thanks for the great forum. I live in south TX and my home HVAC getting old. House is single story about 1800 square feet. Current system is an attic mounted horizontal gas furnace/coil with intake air ducted to a louver/filter located in the hallway ceiling. I am soliciting bids on a total replacement of furnace and AC.

I have received about half a dozen bids from large and small companies. Apparently my duct work is pretty bad, as several of them want to do total duct replacement.

What I found interesting was that one contractor wants to install a vertical upflow unit mounted directly over the intake louver, eliminating the intake ducting.

Is this a common practice? What are the pros/cons of doing an install this way? Thanks for any help.

Fletch

beenthere · Feb 21, 2008

I doubt you'll like the noise.

tunnel_rat · Feb 21, 2008

beenthere said:
I doubt you'll like the noise.

Ditto. Never saw such a thing around here...

Swampfox · Feb 21, 2008

I have seen this a few times before, not a good idea, noisy and no way to guard against condensate overflow, plus if the coil ever freezes up you'll have a mess on your hands when it melts.

catmanacman · Feb 22, 2008

it is better to have at least 1 turn in the return air to help with the blower noise also if you are installing in the attic you need a big pan under the coil or it is a disaster waiting to happen

bobb25 · Feb 22, 2008

I think someone already mentioned NOISE.

trane · Feb 22, 2008

The only time I ever saw this done was on a new house I was called on to fix a furnace problem. LP gas and nothing changed. Don't let them install it this way.

dad211 · Feb 22, 2008

I'm in NC around here that would be against code. Personaly I would call your local code enforcement office and ask them what the code is for attic installation of a heating and cooling system and also ask them if the have any recommendations of companies that have a good pass/fail rate. but what ever you do dont let them install it directly over your return it will only cause you problems in the future.

irwin_fletcher · Feb 22, 2008

Thank you for the responses, I really appreciate the advice. It's too bad, the guy was recommended by a friend and had a very competitive bid. Back to square one.

Fletch

andserco · Feb 22, 2008

I take care of some commercial properties that are set up this, yes they are noisy.......

Mr Bill · Feb 22, 2008

irwin_fletcher said:
Thank you for the responses, I really appreciate the advice. It's too bad, the guy was recommended by a friend and had a very competitive bid. Back to square one.

Fletch

We appreciate your visiting the site and Mr. Bill was glad folks were able to assist you here that is why most of us are here, if you need farther assistance stand by the great Oz will be here soon.

printmanjackson · Feb 22, 2008

How much distance is recommended to keep the noise down?

Also, does using flex pipe over metal pipe have anything to do with noise?

bobb25 · Feb 22, 2008

If he was recommended by a friend, and his price was "competitive", then call the guy and ask how much it would be to do it the way all the other contractors recommended. A lot depends on your gut feeling about the guy.

ar_hvac_man · Feb 22, 2008

printmanjackson said:
How much distance is recommended to keep the noise down?

Also, does using flex pipe over metal pipe have anything to do with noise?

Ive had luck using two elbows on short return ducting. It quiets the return signifigantly.

Flex will muffle the noise some. I still like using 2 elbows if the run is short.

irwin_fletcher · Feb 23, 2008

Frustrated

bobb25 said:
If he was recommended by a friend, and his price was "competitive", then call the guy and ask how much it would be to do it the way all the other contractors recommended. A lot depends on your gut feeling about the guy.

I thought about this, but honestly if he is trying to install a system this way, is he the best choice? If this is against best practices and maybe against code, why would you try to bolt the thing in over the return?

I am telling folks who bid that my top priorities are efficiency, very low noise, and reliability. I've mentioned that some rooms are not cooled effectively with the current system. I've mentioned that I will be installing additional attic insulation and solar screens as soon as the HVAC is replaced. Yet only one of the contractors did a Manual J and none did a Manual D. One guy was literally here 5 minutes. He asked what the current tonnage was, went out to his truck to add it up, and then handed me an estimate.

I have the money set aside to spend, and we're still in the off-season here in Texas. Why can't I find anyone I can trust?

Fletch

bobb25 · Feb 23, 2008

irwin_fletcher said:
I thought about this, but honestly if he is trying to install a system this way, is he the best choice? If this is against best practices and maybe against code, why would you try to bolt the thing in over the return?

I am telling folks who bid that my top priorities are efficiency, very low noise, and reliability. I've mentioned that some rooms are not cooled effectively with the current system. I've mentioned that I will be installing additional attic insulation and solar screens as soon as the HVAC is replaced. Yet only one of the contractors did a Manual J and none did a Manual D. One guy was literally here 5 minutes. He asked what the current tonnage was, went out to his truck to add it up, and then handed me an estimate.

I have the money set aside to spend, and we're still in the off-season here in Texas. Why can't I find anyone I can trust?

Fletch

If you’re positive you told the guy about your noise concern, then forget him. If you aren’t positive then it doesn’t cost anything to call and ask, especially if he was recommended, and you trust that person's opinion. I’ve had people tell me they’re sure they mentioned something, when I know they didn't, that’s why I write down everything before I pull out of their driveway. Sometimes it’s hard to remember to mention everything, unless you have a checklist.

I compete with a local contractor who prices things out right in his truck. I lose a fair amount of jobs to him. Makes me wonder about doing things the right way.

dash · Feb 24, 2008

Quieturn turning vanes really reduce noise on short returns ,if you have a 90 regree elbow.

www.durodyne.com in the Glassline Catalog

Attic install directly over return air louver?

irwin_fletcher

beenthere

tunnel_rat

Swampfox

catmanacman

bobb25

trane

dad211

irwin_fletcher

andserco

Mr Bill

printmanjackson

bobb25

ar_hvac_man

irwin_fletcher

bobb25

dash

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