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Heating & Air Conditioning

Split unit - all outside?

7 years ago

My 83 yo mother needs a new hvac system. She keeps insisting that she wants a split unit with the furnace/air handler (hasn't decided on heat pump or ac/furnace) outside. I think she has to have a package unit as she does not have any space in the attic for the air handler. I am thinking that whoever installed the last HVAC system actually put the air handler outside which I did not think was possible. I don't live there so I can't go look. She lives in a rural area (So CA and very hot) and I don't think codes are strictly enforced. So I guess my question is can air handlers be located outside or am I correct and she really should get a packaged unit?

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Comments (6)

tigerdunes
7 years ago
first off, you need to tell forum exactly what she has now...and its location-age, brand, size, model number,...an all in one package system sits outside...a split system has the condenser outside with the furnace/air handler on the inside...it's difficult to believe your mother has an air handler sitting outside.

post back when you find out.

IMO
cms9323
Original Author
7 years ago
I have asked my mom to take a picture later today of what she has outside. I know it is an old Amana. A friend had her mother's old ac replaced in same town and they put in a split system with the air handler outside. I have attached a picture. Is this crazy? Or was this the way it was done 20 years ago and is no longer being done this way? For some reason they had 2 separate units as I think they were afraid of being with out AC as it gets to be 120 in the summer at times.
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tigerdunes
7 years ago
That's a strange setup. And it does look like an air handler outside. Is that two condensers behind the air handler(s)?

IMO
cms9323
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes, it is two condensers and two air handlers. I know it does look really strange. That is what I was wanting to know as I have never seen such a setup. Where I live, you usually see split units with the air handler inside or a package unit on the roof or on the ground. So would you recommend going with a package unit rather than have the air handler outside?
tigerdunes
7 years ago
Just on the information presented, it does seem like all in one outside package systems would be the correct choice. I recommend getting an American Standard dealer involved. Probably more to this than we can see from the photo.

IMO
klem1
7 years ago
If her existing ducts are in good shape but can't be adapted to a package unit, split might save money over replaceing ducts to install the pac. In the case of unit in pic it would be simple to inclose the air handler making it similar to a garage install.

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