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Can you put an air handler in the attic?
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.
Where should air handler be installed?
They can be installed in a utility closet or utility room in the home, in an unvented attic, or in an insulated and air-sealed basement or crawlspace. If a system must be located in the garage, an insulated and air-sealed closet should be constructed to completely isolate the HVAC equipment from the garage.
Should I move my air handler to attic?
Many times, homeowners buy a house with an air handler already located in the attic, and sometimes people will place the air handler in the attic when building their new home. It seems convenient. After all, the attic is full of empty space. But, HVAC professionals agree, it’s not ideal.
Can HVAC system be installed in attic?
HVAC installation can set you back a few bucks, but you can save a significant amount of money by installing your HVAC unit in your attic instead. Homeowners can afford to leave their ductwork loose, instead of covering them up and winding them through walls and floors all over the home.
Is it better to put HVAC in attic?
Pro: Attic Installations Save Labor and Cost Less One reason that AC units go up in attics is because they’re cheaper and easier to install. By the time the HVAC unit gets planned, putting it in the attic is the only thing that makes sense, especially cost-wise.
Why is my air handler sweating in the attic?
If an air handler is in a garage, attic, crawlspace, or closet, it might experience less air flow and humid air. Hot, humid air mixes with the cold internal air of the air handler by the cold metal of the unit causing condensation. Solution. Add more air flow around the air handler by adding vents or a physical fan.
How long do air handlers last?
A heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and it only makes sense to get as much use out of it as possible. In general, most HVAC systems will last from 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable.
Does air handler need to be level?
The first and most important reason that the condensing unit must be level has to do with the oil in the compressor. In an air conditioner or heat pump, refrigerant circulates through lines and coils, transferring heat into or out of the building, depending on whether you’re heating or cooling.
Can you enclose an air handler?
If a full closet return (i.e., air handler on stand in closet) is unavoidable, seal all joints, seams, and edges of the closet air barrier (e.g., drywall, floor finish, sub-floor). Install an air barrier, if necessary, to enclose wall cavities and separate the closet from the attic.
How much does it cost to move an air handler?
Whether or not the expensive relocation of your HVAC system will be worth it will depend heavily on the reasons for the move. Cost of relocation can approach $1,000, so if this is part of a remodel, you’ll want to add that into the entire cost of the project.
Is it hard to move an air handler?
If you’re not a professional contractor yourself, it may be too difficult to attempt on your own. While moving an HVAC unit can be expensive, depending on the extent of the work required and how far you’re wanting to move it, it can be less expensive overall to hire a professional to do it right the first time.
What part of my HVAC is in the attic?
When you look at your HVAC system, you only see two boxes – one that sits outside your house, and the other inside your home in the garage, attic or basement. The outside components box is called the condenser while the inside box is the air handler.
How does an attic air handler work?
Simply put, an air handler “handles air” around the house via ductwork. An air handler is installed inside and works with an outdoor air conditioning and/or heat pump condenser unit to make the air hot or cold. A blower fan that moves the conditioned air throughout the home via ductwork.
Why does my air handler drip water?
It can be several things such as a clogged condensate drain line, the drain pan is damaged or rusted, the condensate pump is broken, the air filter is not clean, or the refrigerant is low.
How much does it cost to install a new air handler?
Cost to Replace an Air Handler New Air Handler $700 – $1,500 Installation $1,200 – $1,800 Remove/Dispose of Old Unit $300 – $500 Total $2,200 – $3,800.
Can I just replace the air handler?
Unfortunately, the short answer is yes. You should replace your indoor air handler at the same time as your outdoor heat pump — or air conditioning unit if it’s that time of year.
How long does it take to install an air handler?
If it is a straightforward AC replacement with no issues, expect the job to be done within 2-6 hours, depending on the size of your home. However, if it is a first-time installation, it will always take longer.
Can you lay an air handler on its side?
These furnaces and air handlers can be installed either horizontally or vertically, and the air flow can be changed to fit the home’s needs.
What happens if condenser is not level?
If the condenser is not level, then the air conditioner will have trouble working correctly. The pump inside the unit may not work the way it’s supposed to. The condenser pump contains some oil in the refrigerant that moves within the system, then returns to the pump.
How much should AC tilt cost?
Many window units require a very slight tilt away from the building to keep condensation in the drip pan outside the room, rather than puddling down the wall inside your home. Typically, the tilt shouldn’t be more than one-half of an inch, but check the installation guide for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
