Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
Can you put an air handler in the attic?
The argument that there may be some physical advantages to putting the air handler in the attic as opposed to taking up living space may be valid, nonetheless, one must understand that cooling systems have fixed limits of cooling capability.
What does the air handler do for my system?
Your air handler assists in regulating the circulation of indoor air and the temperature of the air in your home that you have set on your thermostat or control system. Your air handler consists of an evaporator coil, blower motor, air filter and the electrical and electronic components required to deliver enhanced levels of indoor comfort.
Where is the air handler located?
The air handler is located indoors, typically in the attic, crawl space, basement, or a dedicated closet. How long do air handlers last? An air handler lasts 12 to 15 years if properly maintained.
What is the cost of an air handler?
Typically located inside a building, it is often confused for a furnace due to its similar appearance. But much like a furnace, repairing or replacing an air handler can be expensive if you’re unprepared. According to national estimates, an average new air handler costs between $700 and $5,600. But what affects the price of an air handler? 1.
What is difference between AC and air handler?
Different Functions Air handlers are designed to move air around. That's all that they do. They don't heat up or cool down, they move air. Air conditioners, on the other hand, exist only to cool air by removing heat from the outdoor air.
Is an air handler the same as a furnace?
The most crucial difference between a furnace and an air handler is a furnace actually produces its own heat for channeling while an air handler doesn't create heat (though some models do provide auxiliary heat).
What are the different types of air handlers?
There are basically two types of air handling unit that are in used and they are the "Draw-Through" or "Blow-Through". In the Draw-Through type, the fan pulls the air through the mixing box, filters and cooling coil before discharging it from the fan outlet to the space to be conditioned or to the ducting network.
What is an air handler?
An air handler, or air handling unit, is the indoor part of an air-conditioning or heat pump system. Air handlers work much like furnaces in that they efficiently move air throughout the home. The main difference is that the air handlers only circulate heat when paired with a heat pump.
Do attic air handlers have filters?
You can typically find it inside the attic or basement. When you find it, the replaceable filter is on the unit's left side, right side, top, or bottom. One tip about your air handler: The filter may fit in a small slot with directions demonstrating how to insert the filter.
Do you need both furnace and air handler?
If you are in the market for a new HVAC system, and you are considering a conventional gas furnace and air conditioner, you most likely will not need an air handler. On the other hand, if you are considering an electric heat pump, an air handler will probably be part of your purchase.
What does a air handler look like?
0:062:04What is an Air Handler and How Does it Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAir handlers consists of an evaporator coil blower motor and usually an electric heat strip.MoreAir handlers consists of an evaporator coil blower motor and usually an electric heat strip.
Can you put an air handler in the attic?
An air handler is an important part of your home air conditioning system as it helps to circulate cool air through your Peachtree City, GA home. A common place to install this is in the attic.
Is an air handler necessary?
If you have a traditional gas, electricity, or oil furnace, you probably won't need an air handler. However, if you have or are considering an alternative such as an electric heat pump, investing in an air handler is a smart move. Some heat pump and air conditioner systems already come with an air handler.
How much does an air handler cost?
Air handler costs depend more on the quality of your chosen unit than the size. You should expect to pay somewhere between $500 for a basic model and $3,500 for a premium air handler. However, most people pay between about $700 and $1,500 for a new air handler without installation, according to data from Pick HVAC.
What is the AC unit in my attic called?
Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
Is the air handler part of the AC unit?
An AC air handler is part of the air conditioning split system, but not the air conditioner itself. When it works together with an outdoor condenser, both units form an air conditioning split system.
Where should I put my air handler in my house?
To avoid the need for long ducting that can reduce efficiency, the air handler is best installed as close to the center of the home as possible. Two common installation choices are a utility closet inside the house or a well-sealed equipment room in the garage.
How long do air handlers last?
Remember, while the average HVAC system lifespan is anywhere between 10–25 years—based on your climate and what type of heating and cooling system you have. But your HVAC system may last less time than that if it has been overworked by insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow (due to unsealed air leaks).
Where is my air filter in my attic?
Horizontal HVAC units – Horizontal units are frequently located in attics, large basements or garages. The filter usually fits in a slot on the air return side of the unit.
Where is the filter on my air handler?
0:181:48How to change your air handler or furnace disposable filter. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd usually the filters are on the right hand side or left-hand side or underneath the furnace.MoreAnd usually the filters are on the right hand side or left-hand side or underneath the furnace.
Does an air handler provide heat?
Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
How much does replacing an air handler cost?
An air handler costs $1,500 to $3,400 to replace on average, depending on the ton size, brand, and type. Air handler prices are $700 to $1,600 for the unit alone, plus $800 to $1,800 for replacement labor. Air handler fan coil units from top brands like Trane, Carrier, and Lennox cost the most.
Does furnace and AC use same blower?
Similarly, your home's heating and air conditioning units form another complex system and share critical components. These critical components are your furnace and air conditioner. They often use the same blower to force conditioned air throughout your home.
Do air handlers use gas?
No. An air handler does not contain a burner to heat air like a furnace does nor can it use natural gas or propane as a source to function. An air handler is also all electric and does not require venting any exhaust outside.
How to Remove the Air Handler from the Attic?
Removing air handlers from the attic is easier than installing them. All you need to do is disconnect the wires, overhaul the equipment, and you’re done.
How Much will an Air Handler in the Attic Cost?
Depending on the model and brand of air handler you buy, the price will vary. The average price of a good quality air handler is approximately $700 to $900. However, this price can also easily reach $1200 to $1800, depending on the brand.
Should the Air Handler be Placed in the Attic or the Basement?
The basement is the best place to install your air handler. It has more space, no leakage problems, and no overheating issues.
What is an Air Handler?
An air handler is a device that is used to regulate and circulate air. It is used as a part of a heating unit, ventilation system, and air-conditioning system.
How Big of an Air Handler do I Need?
Once you’ve decided to buy an air handler, you need to figure out what size you’re going to buy. There are 2 basic steps that you need to follow. The steps require attention to detail, and as long as you provide that, you’ll be absolutely fine.
What is the Best Location for an Air Handler?
The absolute best place to install your air handler is somewhere cool and shaded. As long as these requirements are met, your air handler is in great hands.
Why do you need an air handler in an air conditioner?
HVAC experts believe that it is a good idea to merge air conditioners with air handlers. This is because the air handler allows for air regulation and balancing of the room temperature.
What Is an Air Handler?
In its most straightforward definition, the air handler works with the heating and cooling unit to deliver controlled climate air throughout your home. It’s a system used locally with your current heating and cooling system. Installation typically occurs in well-ventilated areas, or areas without condensation or humidity in your home.
The Different Types of Air Handlers
Different types of air handlers are available with varying features depending on what your HVAC system needs.
When Should I Replace My Air Handler?
Older components of central air systems simply do not perform as well as newer ones. Over time, air handlers lose effectiveness, and older models do not have the advanced technology newer ones do. Older units are less effective to filter out contaminants, reduce noise and generate superior cooling performance.
Quality Atlanta Air Handler Service
Now that you understand what an air handler does, you see the importance of this key HVAC equipment. Don’t risk the efficiency of your central heating and air system with the wrong unit .
What is the importance of an air handler in an attic?
The important part of this attic installation is that the air handler has plenty of drains and a safety cutoff to ensure that the air handler turns off before the secondary drain pan overflows into the attic.
What is the drain pan under the air handler?
Notice the drain pan under the air handling unit to catch condensation if the primary pan were to overflow . This is the secondary condensation pan which is installed under the air handler to save a ceiling.
Can horizontal flow air handlers be left to right?
Horizontal flow air handlers can be configured in left to right or right to left configurations upon installation. This makes it helpful to retrofit a new AHU to existing ductwork as necessary. It is simply a matter for the installer to flip the evaporator coil so that the condensation pan is under the coil to catch the condensation.
Why put an HVAC system in the attic?
So why put an HVAC system up in the attic at all? Well, mainly it is a way to save space. Most updated central air conditioned homes have a new air conditioner split system, meaning the AC is broken up into parts: an outdoor unit, which houses the fan condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit, which holds the evaporator and fan. Typically, this indoor unit gets placed in a cabinet or closet somewhere inside.
Why do AC units go up in attics?
Just like everything in life, when it comes to home building, money talks. One reason that AC units go up in attics is because they are cheaper and easier to install. It is a lot simpler for your installer to leave ductwork loose, rather than having to cover it and wind it through floors and walls.
Why does my AC coil freeze up?
A clogged filter could cause your AC evaporator coil to freeze up, and it might make your furnace or heat pump work overtime—all of which makes your system less efficient and more costly—and your home less comfortable. You can also have an HVAC contractor to check out your unit’s insulation and sealing.
Do attic HVAC units leak?
The biggest complaint about attic HVAC units is that they do not really make sense. Attics are, for the most part, unconditioned, meaning a leak here could significantly reduce your home’s overall efficiency. To avoid this, HVAC contractors must take care to properly seal and insulate air ducts —something not all of them do to the same degree of precision. But even if the ducts are installed to a tee, there is still the possibility that leaks will develop. Ductwork naturally expands and contracts with your home’s vacillating temperatures, and in time that can loosen duct seals. So, detractors say, since the risk of leaks is very real, why house your unit and ductwork in an unconditioned space?
Where is the AC split in a house?
Typically, this indoor unit gets placed in a cabinet or closet somewhere inside.
Can you forget about HVAC in attic?
No matter what kind of attic HVAC system you have, it is easy to forget about it until something goes wrong. But if your unit is relegated to some forgotten corner of your attic, it is even more likely that you will ignore it—and you may even forego routine maintenance tasks like changing your filters (to which any HVAC contractor would say, tsk, tsk! ).
Is it hard to maintain an attic air conditioner?
Regular Maintenance of an Attic Air Conditoner/Furnace is Harder.
What causes condensation in attic?
The causes of condensation are also called the lack of attic heating and a good fan in the attic. By the way, before you decide to install the fans you need to know about attic fans pros and cons.
Why do log houses need air conditioning?
The attic of a log house needs ventilation and air conditioning. The need for the installation of quality climate control equipment is due to overheating of the room in the summer. Strong indoor air heating has a negative impact on the state of the interior decoration, making the stay in the room uncomfortable.
Do you need an attic AC unit?
If you needed to maximize the available space in your home, installing an air conditioning attic HVAC unit will play a significant role in this matter .
Does an air conditioner prevent condensation?
A modern air conditioner will avoid the appearance of condensation and strong air heating.
Can an attic air conditioner be ignored?
There is another problem that is inferior to the previous one, but it still exists and cannot simply be ignored. With attic air conditioners, malfunctions can occur that you may not know about for a long time at all.
Can a small air leak cause a large utility bill?
Despite this, the chance of a small air leak, while small, exists, and you should consider it. These seemingly small leaks can later cause huge utility bills and reduce the comfort of your private home. So, think carefully about this issue: whether or not you’re willing to pay a little too much for electricity.
Do attic air conditioners use more electricity?
Attic heating and air conditioning units can use a lot more electricity. The main negative factor about attic air conditioners is that they are usually of little use when energy savings are considered. Contractors often try to increase return and efficiency by carefully sealing all available ductwork in your attic.
Why is my attic cooler than my house?
The only reason a "well ventilated" attic may be much cooler than one that is not is due to conditioned air leaking from the home and into the attic, and leaky ducts - when they are in the attic.
How much diff between roof sheathing and ventilated attic?
Building Science has proved that there is only a max temp diff of ten degrees at the roof sheathing between a ventilated attic and one that is not. Shingle manufacturers have eliminated it as a cause to not honor their warranty.
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Is an attic cooler than a vent?
An important point to remember is that a properly vented att ic will be much cooler than most attics.
Do air handlers have external mechanical stress?
We install them on a suspended platform, and hang the supply and return plenums, so there is no external mechanical stress at all on the air handler.
Can you put an air handler in the attic?
There should be no problem with an air handler in the attic as long as its in a good accessible area for servicing. I've not noticed much difference between the life of an air handler in the attic as opposed to one in a closet. As for needing a bigger unit, the load difference should be less than 5% between the two assuming the duct work is in the attic on both. Now if you're talking about putting the duct work in a conditioned space that could be somewhere around 10 to 15% difference. Personally I think the morons who write the codes should require a mechanical space either in the house or a garage and attics and crawl spaces should be off limits for the air handlers.
