Usually, an air conditioner uses the furnace's blower motor, so no air handler is required. However, in environments where home
How Do I Know If I Need One? 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.
Not every house has an air handler. Air handlers are typically part of systems like central air conditioning systems that distribute conditioned air. Homes with other heating and cooling systems, such as window units or baseboard heaters, may not have an air handler.
In the simplest terms, an air handler is a device that circulates conditioned air throughout your home. It is a critical part of your HVAC system, working closely with your air conditioner or heat pump to distribute cool or heated air.
We've already explained how a dirty air filter can cause weak air, but did you know that holes or large cracks in an air handler can also contribute to this problem? They can also contribute to reduced air quality by allowing mold and mildew to take root and grow.
An air handler costs $1,500 to $3,400 to replace, 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.
The number of heads needed for your home is determined by the number of rooms and layout of your home, things largely out of your control. So, the answer to this mini split FAQ is yes, you'll need a head installed in each room that's divided by a door (except your bathrooms) that needs heating and cooling.
Your typical central air conditioning connected to an air handler and using ductwork can last as long as 30 years with good luck and maintenance but will generally need to be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
In short, no. Though in split system air conditioning design, commonly heat pumps, part of your system is located outside your home, it does not take in outside air. Outside air is brought into the system from an intake which is generally located by your furnace but is occasionally its own, separate system.
The ac air handler is often located inside the home. It typically can be found in the garage, attic or closets. Two story houses often have two air handlers, on per level.
A constantly running HVAC fan can combat the number of bacteria and viruses within your home. According to the American Lung Association, the more your air circulates, the less chance the viruses have to spread. With air always on the move, bacteria and viruses can be pushed outside your home along with dirty air.
If you are using an air handler where the drain is on the negative side, you must have a trap.
If you combine a condensing unit with an air handler (or furnace) it wasn't designed to work with, in the best case the result will be reduced operating efficiency. In the worst case, the mismatched system may not work at all. Or, it may appear to run initially and then fail after a short time.
An air conditioner actively cools the air by removing the heat, while an air handler distributes the cool air around your home. An air handler works with your air conditioner, but it doesn't perform the same function. Some of the confusion arises from the fact that air handlers often contain coils.
The average unit has a 500 watt fan, which uses almost as much energy over the course of the year as a refrigerator, resulting in a $50/month bill. During the summer months, the ducts in your attic and close to your walls can fill with warm air, resulting in the fan blowing hot air into your house.
Air handler replacement averages $2,300, with most homeowners paying between $1,500 and $3,400. Unit costs vary from $600 to $2,100 or more depending on size, type, brand, and other factors. Hiring an HVAC technician for installation represents about 50% of total project costs.
If you own a furnace, you don't need a dedicated air handler because the furnace blower works to circulate air, both heated air and cooled air from your air conditioning system throughout your home. If you have a heat pump and not a furnace, then you may need a dedicated air handler to circulate the air.
The answer depends on what kind of heating and cooling system you have. If you have a traditional split system (with both a condenser and indoor components), then you need an air handler to circulate the conditioned air throughout your home.
Clean or change the air handler filter at least once a year — more if you have pets or seasonal allergies or asthma. Listen for excessive noise or vibrations. Be aware of odors coming from the air. Musty smells could be mold build up while burning smells may indicate an electrical problem with the motor.
Attic Requires Proper Insulation
If you are going to install an AC handler in the attic, it is important that you have your attic properly insulated. Without proper insulation, cool air could be lost, and excess moisture could develop.
The blower fan regulates the airflow. If the fan blades are damaged or obstructed, they won't perform their job properly leading to airflow issues and no cooling (in cooling mode). Fan blades are susceptible to damage as they rotate and if anything comes in contact with them, they may become bent or damaged.