Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Air Handler Installation
Air Handler Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Air Handler Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Air Handler Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Air Handler Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Air Handler Installation labor cost? What are the important Air Handler Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Air Handler Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Air Handler Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Air Handler Installation expect to pay between $151.76 to $231.64 for each air handler. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Air Handler Installation work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are typically required for Air Handler Installation. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Air Handler Installation work begins. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Air Handler Installation work? | The safety and health risks associated with Air Handler Installation can be significant. It is strongly recommended that you hire a qualified, licensed and insured service professional to perform this work. |
| Is Air Handler Installation something that I can do myself? | This is not a project recommended for the do it yourselfer. A successful Air Handler Installation requires the work of skilled trade contractors as well as special materials, tools, fabrication and installation techniques. Do it yourself mistakes may be expensive to remedy and will likely reduce the marketability and value of your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Air Handler Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Air Handler Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Air Handler Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Air Handler Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Air Handler Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All materials, connectors and fasteners used for the Air Handler Installation will be mechanically and electrochemically (non-corroding) compatible with the Air Handler Installation
- A detailed air handler layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The air handlers will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
- The installed air handlers will operate at no less than 95% of manufacturers rated capacity
- The air handler, its connections and fittings will be verified 100% leak-free under all operating conditions
- The air handlers will be securely anchored to structural framing
- The air handlers will operate without noise, excessive heat generation or degradation of other circuit components
Air Handler Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Air Handler Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the air handlers work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned Air Handler Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for Air Handler Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written project plan including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; project plan should be included in contract agreement and reviewed before any work begins
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Select, specify and order air handlers; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of air handlers; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Obtain a permit for Air Handler Installation from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Connect air handlers to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Collect and neatly organize in a single binder all product installation and maintenance documentation, receipts, and any rebate information
- Schedule and supervise Air Handler Installation permit inspection
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff
