using ceiling registers w/furnace in basement

cufflink

I live in the North East and have a single story 825 sq ft home and will be installing new gas furnace/AC. The basement is partially finished. I have ceiling registers with my current AC unit which is more than 12 yrs old. I would like to install a 90 + AFUE system with AC coil in the basement and run the supply through a closet from the phluem to the attic and utilize the current insullated duct work. I have reversible fans in each room and would place the return close to the floor. I was told that I don't have much space to heat so the ceiling registers are fine even though heat rises; so thats where the lower return vent comes in. I realize that this would not be as efficient as running new duct work and cutting through floor or walls for new registers. Considering the problem of condensation with high efficiency units as well having a humidifier installed with unit I figure this would be a good alternative. Is this a practical design layout? Each contrator seems to have their own different idea and I'd prefer to tell them what I want even though its not commonly done.

beenthere

Ceiling supplies are ok. Do you have round or square/rectangular supply registers. The round ones bite for heating, but re great for cooling.

techpappy

I don't understand what you mean by "problem with condensation with hi eff units" The condensation (on a condensing type furnace) is produced on the combustion side of the secondary heat exchanger and is exhausted to outside so, does not affect your supply air. Otherwise, your application should work just as well as the old system.

cufflink

They are square. Each room has one dead center but living room has two.

cufflink

What I mean is the possibility of the condensate drain freezing increases with high efficiency units since the ambient air in an attic could drop below 32 degrees. And since I have septic and not sewer, I'm not sure if it is ideal to have it drain on the inside of my home.

hvactech126

Installing the equipment in the basement would be fine. DO NOT install a 90% eff furnace in the attic or a humidifier.

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beenthere

The sq ones do better at heating. You should be ok.