Have you tried everything to get your home cool but still find yourself sweating in the summer heat?
It might be time to take a look upwards.
Attic spaces are often underlooked when it comes to home cooling solutions, but they can actually provide some of the quietest and cheapest cooling for American homeowners.
By taking advantage of this untapped resource, you could keep your entire house comfortable all year round with minimal effort or expense.
In this article, we’ll explore why installing an air conditioner in your attic can be useful and how it can help you keep your family cool.
How Can An Attic Air Conditioner Help Cool Your Home?
Installing an air conditioner in an attic can be an effective way to improve cooling efficiency and quality in your home.
The attic air conditioner works just like a central air conditioning system, as it also uses fans and evaporator coils to produce cold air.
However, because the indoor unit is located in the attic space, it deals with heat and humidity before it descends down to you.
An attic air conditioner is typically mounted on the roof or through the walls, and connected to the ductwork of a home's existing HVAC system.
This allows the cool air produced by the air conditioner to be circulated throughout the house.
Should You Install An Attic AC Unit?
Installing an air conditioner in your attic is typically a great investment in the long run.
The main benefit of this system is its cheap and convenient installation, which can make it a viable and effective option for a wide range of households.
However, whether or not this solution is best for you will depend on factors such as climate and how much maintenance you invest into keeping your air conditioning energy efficient and your cooling costs low.
Here's a comparison of some of the advantages and disadvantages of investing in attic air conditioning units.
Advantages Of An Attic AC Unit
Cheap Installation
Installing an air conditioner in a home's attic can be an efficient way to save money on installation costs.
By utilizing the attic space, homeowners don't need to create additional space for the AC unit and its components, such as ductwork and vents, which can be a costly exercise.
Additionally, since the attic is typically already insulated, there is less need to spend money on extra materials for insulation.
This means that there may not be any need for extensive installation work like wall or ceiling modifications which can add considerable cost to HVAC systems installed in other parts of the home.
Therefore, by taking advantage of an existing space that is relatively easy to access and already insulated, homeowners can benefit from reduced installation costs when installing an air conditioner in their attic.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Air conditioners can cause a great degree of noise pollution, especially if they are located in a low-lying area in the home.
The outdoor fan and compressor unit of an air conditioner can create a loud humming noise, which can be disruptive and potentially even damaging to hearing over time.
Installing an air conditioner in an attic helps to reduce this noise pollution, as the attic is typically well insulated and soundproofed from outside noise.
Because the air conditioner is further away from living areas, the fan and compressor unit produce less noise for the family, making it quieter overall than other air conditioners.
Additionally, since the attic walls are well insulated, vibrations from the AC unit are minimized or completely eliminated. This further aids you in keeping your home your sanctuary.
Saving Living Space
Installing an air conditioner in an attic can save valuable living space within a home.
Unlike traditional central air conditioning systems, attic air conditioners don’t require any extra ductwork or bulky units to be installed within the living area of the home.
This means that you can avoid losing valuable livable space while still cooling your home effectively.
Additionally, since the air conditioner is located up high in the attic, there is minimal disruption to existing décor and furnishings.
You don't typically invite your guests into the attic, so the space doesn't have to be as presentable. Well, we assume you don't.
This is a major positive because if nobody needs to see the ductwork and the components of the air conditioner, it can be installed much more cheaply and easily.
This allows homeowners to maximize their storage space while still being able to enjoy a pleasant living space.
Disadvantages Of An Attic AC Unit
The Influence Of Climate
The climate of a home plays an important role in determining the suitability of installing an air conditioner in the attic.
In areas with hotter climates, the temperature of the attic can become very high during certain times of the year due to the exposure to direct sunlight and other external heat sources. This can cause an air conditioner to overheat, resulting in decreased efficiency.
Additionally, homes located in humid regions may also experience difficulty cooling down effectively since the air inside is saturated with excess moisture.
Therefore, if you live in a hotter or more humid region, you should make sure to check that your local climate is right for an attic air conditioner before investing.
This will ensure that you will be able to reap the benefits that come with them.
Replacing vs. Keeping Your Current System
Though air conditioners typically cost less to install in attics than in other parts of the home, installing an air conditioner in an attic can still be an expensive purchase for some households.
This is particularly notable if the attic is not well-ventilated or insulated properly. There might be additional costs to upgrade these features for proper operation of the air conditioner.
It may be worth reviewing how your current system is performing for you, and how long it's been since you've bought a new system.
If it's been more than 15 years and your system is regularly breaking down, it might be time to bite the bullet and invest in a new AC.
Possible Mold Growth In The Attic Space
Mold growth is a potential problem in attic spaces where air conditioners are installed due to the warm, humid environment that these environments create.
When air conditioners are in operation, they release condensation which can accumulate on walls, insulation and other surfaces located within the attic space.
As the attic is typically warmer than the rest of your home, this can lead to a greater risk of moisture build-up.
This moisture can eventually lead to mold growth if not addressed quickly, as mold spores thrive in warm and damp environments. These can be dangerous to your health, especially amongst more vulnerable populations.
To prevent this from happening, homeowners should make sure that their attic AC unit is well-ventilated and maintained regularly by a professional to ensure optimal performance.
Keeping Attic Air Conditioners Running At Their Best With Maintenance
Though some of the potential negatives associated with attic air conditioners can seem daunting, they can all be easily solved with regular maintenance.
Maintenance from professionals can ensure that attic air conditioners remain in optimal condition and continue to operate efficiently for years to come.
Without proper maintenance, components within the AC unit can start to become clogged or corroded due to dust build-up and other debris which can cause the system to run less effectively, resulting in higher energy costs.
Additionally, as we've just discussed earlier, condensation can build up within the attic space and lead to mold growth. If not addressed quickly by a professional, this can cause havoc on attic air conditioning units and your health.
Regular inspection of the AC unit will help maintain the life expectancy of its components and ensure that any potential problems are identified and solved before they become severe enough to require costly repairs.
Final Thoughts On Attic Air Conditioning Units
Installing an air conditioner in your attic can be a great way to save money on installation costs and gain a greater standard of living, but it is important for homeowners to make sure their home is right for a unit before investing.
Additionally, regular maintenance from professionals should be carried out on a regular basis in order to ensure optimal performance and prevent mold growth within the space.
If you are considering attic air conditioner installation and live in Pensacola, Florida, contact Air and Energy of NWFL today for assistance!
Our team of experienced plumbers have years of experience working with attics and will make sure that everything runs smoothly.
Whether you're looking for an attic-based AC unit, or just a window air conditioner or portable air conditioner, we've got what you need to get your home cool this summer!
This article was written by:
Co-founder and Home Comfort Specialist