Reuse 1 yr old furnace to attic and match coils to condenser?

11 years ago

Hi all,

We just purchased a home and are in the process of moving the furnace to the attic so that we can get some more space in the house. I'm having trouble deciding what to reuse and what to just replace.

Our general contractor has told us that it is risky to reuse the current furnace because parts in the furnace get brittle after use and might break during the move. I also got a quote from an HVAC specialist and the specialist said reusing the furnace is fine. Both individuals are reputable, so I'm not sure what to make of the differing opinion. Which person is right, and what would you do?

The furnace was manufactured in 2011 and is a Bryant Legacy 80 Model 310JAV04209 with 84-88k BTU/hr depending on orientation. We'd have to change the orientation of the furnace from up-flow to horizontal flow if we were to reuse it.

Our general contractor is suggesting to replace the furnace with an 80K or 100K 80% Frigidaire furnace that is roughtly $500. I'm not sure which model, and I don't know if it's going to be better or worse than the current furnace in terms of performance.

I also have a dilemma about the AC because we also need to replace the AC coils because of the airflow direction change. Our AC condenser is a Frigidaire FS3BA-036KA 3 ton, using R-22. The unit was manufactured in 2005. Our general contractor and the HVAC specialist have recommended replacing both the condenser and the coils, but the cost is significant.

A replacement AC system is $1700 for a 3 ton system (Payne PA13NA0336000 13 Seer), $2100 for a 3.5 ton system (Heil N4A342AKB) or $2100 for a 4 ton system (Fraser Johnston TCGD48S41S3), installed.

Alternatively, we can just try to find new coils to match our old Frigidaire condenser for $150.

I'm not sure if trying to match the coils will be a waste of money and time, or if it's worth a try. We live in northern California, and so AC is not a major concern.

If the recommendation is to go with a new AC condenser, I'd appreciate any guidance on picking the best condenser.

Thanks!!
Norm

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Comments (5)

tigerdunes
11 years ago
Several questions.

Where is your furnace located now?

Where is your ductwork system located now?

What size living space is your home?

You have taken measurements of your furnace and there is adequate access to move furnace to attic?

Has anyone contacted a Frigidaire dealer and inquired about the availability and cost of a new matching R-22 coil?

Just an observation but it seems you are going to a great deal of trouble and expense to make this move for what gain? This needs to be made clearer. What is the problem with existing setup?

I don't like the relocation of equipment but it is done regularly and successfully if proper care is taken. I think your GC is blowing smoke. Not certain he is the best person to help you accomplish what you want.

Post back with answers.

IMO
mike_home
11 years ago
General contractors are not very knowledgeable when it comes to HVAC. You want to speak directly to the HVAC contractor who will do the work.

Is moving the furnace part of a renovation to expand the house? Is there an alternative to moving it to the attic? What about the garage? Be aware the attic is outside the condition space of the house. There will be heating and cooling losses. You may also have issues connecting the the current duct work. Think this over carefully.

Your furnace is almost brand new. There should be no problem moving it. If you are are going to get a new condenser I suggest getting a proper matching Bryant condenser and coil.
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norm_ca
Original Author
11 years ago
Mike and Tigerdunes, thank you for your responses, they are really appreciated.

The current furnace is located in a closet near the master bedroom and bath (but has since been moved since we are already in the process of expanding the master bedroom and bath into that space).

There is adequate space in the attic for the furnace.

I am not sure if anyone has called Frigidaire to inquire about availability of replacement coils, but since the general contractor said it is possible, I assume it is available.

The ductwork is in the attic, and the house is 1660 sq ft, single story.

I agree that this is a lot of work, but the master bathroom was unusably small and we need the space. There really isn't a great alternative to moving the furnace into the attic.

Thanks!
Norm
tigerdunes
11 years ago
You need to get involved with a quality dealer and forget the GC.

Dealer needs to follow up on the matching R-22 evap coil from Frigidaire. It seems this is the way to go assuming you have no performance issues with the AC. Do you even know? Third party evap coils are available in the marketplace. I don't care for them but you already have a mismatched system of different brands. If for some reason existing Frigidare condenser can not be used, then I would go for a Bryant 13 SEER condenser with
matching coil. You can't go with a 4 ton condenser because your blower
motor on the furnace is only rated up to a 3 1/2 ton.

As asked previously, you have good access to attic for moving the furnace? What size living space is your home?

Dealer will need to extend or replace existing lineset most likely.

That's the way to go. Drop the GC on the HVAC aspect of your home's modification.

IMO
norm_ca
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Tigerdunes,

I'm pretty convinced we need to use a specialist to handle our HVAC relocation. There is good access to the attic. The concept right now is that a big access will be placed in the hallway near the old location of the furnace, and furnace will be located very near this large access point. The HVAC specialist came by the house and confirmed that he would be able to do the move. Should we still be concerned about a lack of adequate space?

The living space is 1660 square feet, but I'm not sure this is properly answering your question.

Thanks again!
Norm