We recently got our second bid on a new HVAC system and were told that our crawl space is not tall enough to accommodate the larger tubing that is required in new installations. Our house was built in 1962 and is single level and the crawl space is indeed very confined - about 24-30" tall. Our existing furnace is in the garage and the HVAC company is recommending moving it to the attic. They would install a light switch and plywood platform to access the unit for servicing and put all new tubing, return unit and ductwork up there. The rep said that the install could be accomplished by expanding the access door into the attic from appx 24x24 to 30x30 and that the space to do so is available based on his measurements.
The first company that came out to give a bid did not even look into the crawl space or into the attic. The sales rep simply gave us a quote to install the system. They mentioned nothing about the possibility of putting the furnace in the attic.
DH is concerned about having the unit in the attic for a few reasons - safety (fire and leaks), added weight on the attic joists, having to service the unit when the attic is very hot, difficulty getting to the unit. And he's not sure that the attic door can be expanded without cutting into support joists, based on his previous inspection.
Has anyone had experience with this type of situation? Or any knowledge you can share?