5 Things to Know When Installing an Air Handler in Your Home

Air handlers regulate the air as part of an HVAC system. If you have an AC unit or a forced-air heater in your home, the air handler is usually the most important part of its performance. It may resemble a gas furnace and is typically found in the attic, basement, or a separate closet. 

An air handler assists in regulating the circulation of indoor air. The air handler needs to be connected to an outdoor HVAC system if you want warm or cold air to circulate in your home. However, there are a few important things you should know before installing an air handler in your home, so read on to find out what they are.

1. Installation is a task best left to experts

Only experts can handle it properly and safely. Air handlers are complicated devices that need elaborate wiring to attach to an HVAC system. Remember that various issues can be brought on by improper installation, resulting in an unusable air handler. 

Errors might result in electrical accidents that lead to injuries. Since choosing the right-sized air handler for your heater/air conditioner requires skill, experts must be involved from the beginning. So, when choosing the right air handler for your home, leave the installation to a professional team to avoid further complications.

2. Sealing air handlers is necessary

The installer must connect the key components for the air handler—the condensation line, the ducting, and the refrigerant, and then properly seal the unit so no outside air will be sucked into it. For the HVAC system to operate properly and prevent the ingestion of toxins from the outside, this is an important step.

That’s where a lock washer comes in handy. Make sure you have a couple of spare ones, in case the ones your installers put break or become damaged. You can easily handle them to fasten any loose bolts and screws to ensure that your air handler is working properly.

3. Fans are only one section of air handlers

A fan is an essential part of an air handler, but there are other blowers as well. Air handlers have refrigerant lines if attached to a heat pump, intricate electrical connections that send wires straight to the field supply, flanges to attach to the ductwork, and specialized filters.

In order to keep your air handler working properly, you need to do an annual check-up of the system to avoid any problems. It’s best to leave that job to the professionals that installed the system for you since it can be a complicated machine to handle.

4. Air handlers must be tested

Testing how the air handler is working is the final step of the installation process to ensure that all of its parts are functional, the airflow level is appropriate, and there are no refrigerant spills. Additionally, the unit’s compliance with safety standards will be confirmed by the test.

This is a very important part and mustn’t be left out of the process. Make sure to ask your installers if the testing is included in the installation process or if that comes with an extra charge. 

5. Benefits and drawbacks of managing air

The air handler supplies air to your living space via supply vents and brings air in through returning vents, as well as working with the ductwork of your HVAC system. The airflow through the air handler should be regulated even if your air handler and outdoor heat pump are the right sizes for each other.

Insufficient circulation in the vents or ductwork may affect the HVAC system’s balance, depriving you of the full efficiency of your equipment. This is one of the many factors that affect how long your HVAC equipment lasts, how much it will cost to run, and how comfortable your home will be. That’s why it is important for a professional to properly install your HVAC system.

Final thoughts

The air handler is an essential component in the operation of any forced-air heating or cooling system in your house. You can also have separate air handlers for each room of your house and can control the heating and cooling settings for each one individually. That’s why it’s very important to take proper care of your air handler and leave the installation to the professionals to make sure the system is installed and handled with proper care.