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HVAC in Garage Attic

2K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Hixheat1 
#1 ·
HVAC in Garage Attic

last year drain line froze and sprung a leak. i repaired the leak

current solution is to not use it when it freezes.

not ideal.

had 3 different contractors give feedback

1. told me to tie drain line into sewer using the logic that "it doesn't freeze under house"

2. other told me tie into sewer is dangerous and recommended a heat wrap and shorten drian line and run it right out the top at the eaves.

3. other told me to build a box around it and heat from furnace inside box would keep line warm enough

all said it should have never been installed in the attic because attics always freeze.

so question is

what is the best solution

and where should it have been installed if not in the attic?
 
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#2 ·
#2 sounds best. There is not enough water draining and it is not hot enough to keep from freezing. If not in the attic where you have space and ductwork to put it? May have to go there out of necessity.

If you drain it out the eaves make sure it does not stain the wall or create ice where it lands which someone can slip and fall on and sue you.
 
#3 ·
bobmane said:
HVAC in Garage Attic

last year drain line froze and sprung a leak. i repaired the leak

current solution is to not use it when it freezes.

not ideal.

had 3 different contractors give feedback

1. told me to tie drain line into sewer using the logic that "it doesn't freeze under house"

2. other told me tie into sewer is dangerous and recommended a heat wrap and shorten drian line and run it right out the top at the eaves.

3. other told me to build a box around it and heat from furnace inside box would keep line warm enough

all said it should have never been installed in the attic because attics always freeze.

so question is

what is the best solution

and where should it have been installed if not in the attic?
I live in VA we install 90% furnaces in attics all the time. The drain line should be on a interior wall and the drains lines in the attic should be insulated. We follow these guide lines and have no frozen lines make sure you have enough fall. You can also use heat tape were it penetrates your wall. Make sure if you use heat tape it is rated for the type of material your drain line is. If unable to run drain lines in interior wall the whole line needs to be insullated .
 
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