Provider air handlers: indoor unit particulars and value

Behind each nice heating and cooling system is a top-notch air handler. A sturdy and dependable Provider air handler could possibly be the important thing to elevating your property consolation.

This information covers the ins and outs of Provider air handlers. We break down common value, mannequin comparisons, and extra.

Provider fan coil models vs. air handlers

An air handler is a part of a cut up heating or cooling system. An air handler promotes even and regular airflow, and it normally pairs with an outside warmth pump or air conditioner.

Provider makes use of the time period “fan coil models” for its air handlers. The 2 phrases are interchangeable and confer with the identical HVAC part.

A Provider air handler consists of 4 components: a blower motor, a fan, a filter, and an indoor coil. For a extra detailed take a look at air handler elements and the way they work, try our greatest air handlers of 2022. 

Provider fashions are put in indoors, as are many air handlers. One perk is that many Provider air handlers are suitable with non-Provider out of doors models. In case you have a special model, test the AHRI matchup to make sure that the entire system is rated. If not, then the producer could not honor a guaranty as a result of the indoor and out of doors models should not matched by AHRI.

Provider could possibly be an amazing choice when you’re available in the market for an air handler however are completely satisfied together with your present out of doors unit.

Provider air handlers: what to contemplate before you purchase

The six Provider fashions could differ in value and expertise, however options like a restricted guarantee come commonplace with each Provider air handler.

ArmorTech™ coil safety

ArmorTech™ is Provider’s proprietary coating that covers the internal coil and prevents corrosion. With this coating, your coil has a powerful protection in opposition to moisture, mould, and mildew. Plus, you could find yourself saving cash with much less components replacements sooner or later.

You possibly can add ArmorTech™ to any Provider air handler for a extra sturdy coil. We respect how any mannequin can get this purposeful improve.

Guarantee

Each Provider air handler comes with a 5-year restricted components guarantee. In the event you register your air handler on-line inside 90 days of buy, you’ll get 10 years of components insurance coverage.

This guarantee just isn’t stellar by any means, but it surely’s much like different main manufacturers like Trane. Notice that the guarantee doesn’t embody labor prices.

Blower motor speeds

Each Provider air handler blower motor gives no less than two speeds. Multi-speed motors can function beneath 100% capability and energy output, serving to you save on power prices.

Provider additionally makes air handlers with variable-speed blower motors. Variable-speed motors are costlier than multi-speed motors, however are much more energy-efficient.

Puron® refrigerant

Refrigerant is the liquid that heats or cools your property. Puron® is Provider’s proprietary model of R-410 refrigerant. It’s chlorine-free, which suggests it doesn’t deplete ozone like different refrigerants can.

Air handler sizes

Every Provider air handler is offered in a number of sizes. Air handler sizing is normally measured by energy output in capability or tons. Generally, air handlers are sized by British Thermal Models slightly than tons. 12,000 BTU/hour is equal to 1 ton of output.

Provider air handlers vary from 1.5 to five tons of output. Your native Provider supplier might help you identify what dimension air handler you want. The air handler should match the identical dimension capability as your out of doors unit, however the dimension of the system needs to be decided by a load calculation customized to your property.

Provider air handlers: product lineup and particulars

Provider divides its air handler mannequin numbers into three value and efficiency tiers. The fundamental tier is named “Consolation,” the mid-tier line is “Efficiency,” and the premium line is “Infinity.”

Every value tier consists of two air handler fashions, so single-family properties have six choices. Costs confer with a three-ton air handler.

Putting in a Provider air handler can value wherever from $1,200 to $2,000. Elements like location, local weather zone, and unit dimension all have an effect on the underside line. Whereas set up is admittedly expensive, attempting to do it your self is unsafe and should void your guarantee. 

FB4C

The Consolation line is Provider’s fundamental and most reasonably priced tier. The FB4C is one in all two Consolation fashions, and it makes an amazing choice for budget-conscious consumers.

The FB4C is mild on tech options, however that’s to be anticipated with a fundamental mannequin. Extra importantly, it’s sturdy with a high-quality construct. Reliability and lasting energy is usually a concern with some manufacturers’ fundamental fashions, however not with Provider.

One other nice perk is the absolutely insulated cupboard. The insulation prevents warmth from escaping the unit, and it retains you from listening to the roaring fan at full quantity.

Plus, the multi-speed blower motor could prevent on power prices. The blower cycles between excessive and low speeds to optimize power utilization, so you’ll be able to count on decrease payments from the facility firm.

One key distinction separates the 2 Consolation fashions. The FB4C has an aluminum evaporator coil, whereas the FX4D has a tin-plated copper coil. Aluminum just isn’t pretty much as good at conducting warmth, however it’s extra reasonably priced than copper.

We’d suggest the FB4C to anybody searching for a price range mannequin. The absolutely insulated cupboards stand out above the competitors and are a testomony to Provider’s deal with high quality.

FX4D

The FX4D is the second of two fashions in Provider’s Consolation line. When it comes to construction and options, there’s little distinction between the FX4D and the FB4C.

The FX4D gives decrease noise ranges than competing worth manufacturers, due to the absolutely insulated cupboard and five-speed blower motor.

The Consolation fashions even have completely different coils. This mannequin makes use of a copper coil, whereas the FB4C makes use of aluminum. Copper is healthier than aluminum at transferring warmth, but it surely’s additionally costlier to switch and is much less frequent in fashionable heating and cooling methods.

In the event you’re on the fence between the 2 Consolation fashions, we suggest the FX4D. This mannequin has a slight edge over the FB4C when it comes to power utilization.

In line with Provider, solely the FX4D can increase your Seasonal Power Effectivity Score (SEER) by as much as one level. You continue to can’t go fallacious with both Consolation mannequin, as every gives long-lasting reliability and top quality for the value.

FV4C

The FV4C is one in all two Efficiency air handlers. Provider’s mid-tier product line gives notable upgrades from the essential Consolation tier.

In the event you cycle by way of filters shortly, this mannequin is ideal for you. With the FV4C, you should buy washable filters and rinse them off as an alternative of re-ordering.

The FV4C could make your property really feel extra comfy and fewer sticky, with out compromising your favourite thermostat setting. The Very best Humidity System senses your indoor moisture ranges, then adjusts the fan and compressor settings to drag humidity from the air whereas holding the temperature the identical.

The primary distinction between the Efficiency fashions lies of their blower motor speeds. Whereas the FZ4A has a two-speed blower motor, the FV4C has a variable-speed blower motor.

With a variable-speed fan, you’ll get higher humidity management and extra constant air temperatures. Between the 2 Efficiency fashions, we suggest the FV4C for optimum power financial savings.

Notice that the Very best Humidity System requires a Provider-brand humidity sensing thermostat and a Provider air conditioner or warmth pump. In the event you’re seeking to substitute each your indoor and out of doors heating elements, the FV4C could also be best for you.

FZ4A

The FZ4A is one in all two Efficiency-tier air handlers from Provider. You get lots of the similar perks out there with the FV4C, like washable filters.

This mannequin can also be nice for bundling. While you pair the FZ4A with a Provider air conditioner or warmth pump, you’ll at all times have optimum humidity ranges with the Very best Humidity Sensing system.

The primary distinction between the Efficiency fashions is the FV4C has a variable-speed blower motor, however the FZ4A blower motor solely gives two speeds.

With a variable-speed blower motor, you get higher power effectivity and temperature management. Contemplating that each Efficiency fashions have comparable value tags, we expect the FV4C is the higher choice.

Client complaints concerning the FZ4A’s noisy start-up and shut-down are another excuse why the FV4C is our standout Efficiency mannequin.

FE4A

The FE4A is one in all two premium Provider air handlers. This Infinity mannequin can increase your property’s power effectivity with variable-speed blower motors. In the event you’re a fan of whole-home sensible expertise, that is the Provider line for you.

We love how the FE4A gives you flexibility in the place to position your air handler. This mannequin is the one multi-poise Infinity choice, so you’ll be able to place it horizontally or vertically. You may also select the route of airflow, providing an extra-customizable heating or cooling expertise.

When paired with a Provider air conditioner or warmth pump, the FE4A is about 20% extra power environment friendly than the Efficiency line. This mannequin is a superb choice for environmentally aware customers.

The Infinity air handlers can pair with different Provider merchandise like air purifiers and humidifiers. You possibly can management every system individually, or sync them up, with a Provider sensible thermostat.

One disadvantage with the Infinity air handler is that it may be tough to include it right into a pre-existing system. So as to add an Infinity air handler, your heating or cooling system must be suitable with speaking thermostats.

In case your system just isn’t suitable with speaking thermostats, otherwise you aren’t seeking to bundle with different Provider merchandise, we’d suggest the Efficiency line over the Infinity fashions.

FE5

The FE5 is the second mannequin within the Infinity sequence. Identical to the FE4A, it gives Infinity expertise and might be bundled with different merchandise like humidifiers and ventilators.

Plus, the variable-speed blower motor means you by no means have to fret about your air handler holding you awake or interrupting your conversations indoors.

The primary distinction between these fashions is that the FE5 is just upflow/downflow suitable. You can’t place it horizontally, so we’d suggest the FE4A when you don’t just like the look of vertical orientation.

Provider Consolation vs. Efficiency vs. Infinity Air Handlers

As you progress from “good” (Consolation) to “higher” (Efficiency) to “greatest” (Infinity), options and value additionally go up. We break down the options distinctive to every tier in addition to the usual options Provider gives.

All Provider air handlers

Earlier than we take a look at the variations between every tier, here’s a take a look at what comes commonplace with all Provider air handlers.

• ArmorTech™ coil safety
• Puron refrigerant
• 5-year components guarantee (10 if registered)
• Totally insulated cupboard
• Multi-speed blower motors

Efficiency Air Handlers

The center tier of Provider air handlers gives purposeful new options, like improved humidity management. Listed here are some options that turn into out there within the Efficiency tier.

• Very best Humidity Sensing expertise
• Variable-speed blower motors

Infinity Air Handlers

The Infinity sequence consists of two premium fashions. Notice that that is the one sequence suitable with speaking thermostats.

• Variable pace, speaking blower motor
• Infinity System compatibility

Provider air handler vs. opponents

We respect Provider’s consideration to element and high quality supplies at each value tier. Some elements of those air handlers go away a bit to be desired, although.

Execs

• No single-speed blower motors, even within the worth tier
• A number of fashions in every value tier
• Very best Humidity System expertise retains you comfy at greater temperatures (Efficiency and Infinity strains solely)

Cons

• Infinity line isn’t definitely worth the value distinction over the Efficiency line in case you are happy together with your out of doors unit or don’t desire a speaking thermostat
• Laborious to search out the fitting dimension air filter from third-party manufacturers
• Shorter and extra restricted guarantee than some opponents

Provider air handlers vs. Lennox

Whereas each manufacturers provide nice air handlers, Provider is extra reasonably priced than Lennox. In the event you go for a Lennox over a Provider, plan to spend just a few hundred to a thousand {dollars} extra.

The manufacturers have comparable warranties, besides that Lennox’s premium line ensures 10 years of components insurance coverage with out registration. Lennox outshines Provider when it comes to power effectivity, however each manufacturers make dependable, high-quality air handlers.

Provider air handlers vs. Trane

Provider and Trane are each respected manufacturers, and their air handlers are high-quality. These manufacturers are additionally comparable when it comes to unit and set up prices, with Trane being barely costlier.

The foremost distinction between these manufacturers is of their coils. Provider makes use of a mixture of copper and aluminum coils, whereas all Trane coils are aluminum-only.

Provider air handlers vs. Goodman

Provider is a premium model, whereas Goodman is Daikin’s worth model. Whereas Goodman makes high-quality air handlers for the value, they’re much less energy-efficient and fewer dependable than Provider fashions.

Even when you lower your expenses up entrance with a Goodman, you might spend more cash on back-end repairs and substitute components. For that purpose, we suggest Provider when you’re backwards and forwards between the 2.

The air handler is like the center of the HVAC system. When you may have a high-quality air handler from Provider, your property ought to really feel cozier than ever.

We suggest Provider air handlers to consumers who love sensible expertise or who wish to save on power prices. All six fashions are constructed with your property consolation in thoughts.