[cig1988]

Hello
I have a Frigidaire fs38a-024kh which is a 2 ton unit I removed from a demo job. I need direction to select an air handler with fan. I do not need heat pump because it will be used only to cool the bedrooms. I am mechanically inclined and embarrased to say I have no clue to the installation process but will hire a licensed electrician to wire and hvac tech to charge the system.
Thanks

 

[COLDIRON]

Frigidaire

Hello
I have a Frigidaire fs38a-024kh which is a 2 ton unit I removed from a demo job. I need direction to select an air handler with fan. I do not need heat pump because it will be used only to cool the bedrooms. I am mechanically inclined and embarrased to say I have no clue to the installation process but will hire a licensed electrician to wire and hvac tech to charge the system.
Thanks

Why not get the HVAC mechanic your using to charge the unit involved with the sizing and purchase of it.

 

[beenthere]

Its probably a FS3B.

The B5BM024K-A will match to it(thats a Gibson number, same as Frigidaire). Any Frigidaire dealer, can cross over from that number.

Thats a 13 SEER air handler, that is also heat pump compatible.
In case you decide you want to use the HP also.
They don't make a A/C only air handlers in that line.

 

[COLDIRON]

A/c

Just get your HVAC mechanic to find you matching air handler the same BTU rating as the unit and have him help you with it.

 

[hvaclover]

Just get your HVAC mechanic to find you matching air handler the same BTU rating as the unit and have him help you with it.

How would you determine which is the right coil? I am asking you specifically what publication you would consult.

 

[beenthere]

While its true, that any air handler you would use. Will provide you with cooling.

Unless someone has tested the output capacity, no way to tell if a Goodman, or other brand 24,000 BTU coil, would get you 24,000 BTUs of capacity.

The air handler I listed is a match to the older Gibson (same thing as Frigidaire).
If the outdoor unit were to go out on you.
Any of Nordyne‘s (the maker of Frigidaire, Gibson, Tappan, Maytag, and I think a couple other well know labels) will match to it. So you would have a warranty on a new outdoor unit if you choose to get a new one if the current compressor failed.

Indoor coils, and air handlers don‘t actually have a SEER or BTU rating.

The BTU rating that many manufacturers still use. Is left over from the old days when A/C first came out.
Techs in the field weren‘t educated enough to know how to select coils properly.
So manufacturers made it easy, by placing a BTU rating on the indoor unit, for techs to be able to match to the outdoor unit.

Since each manufacturer, had the own method of matching different compressor to condensers.
The indoor coils of 2 manufacturers could be each be rated at 2 tons. But one may be larger then the other to get the 2 tons of cooling.

So choose what indoor unit you use wisely.
Your HVAC tech shouldn’t try to get you to use just any indoor coil.
It should be matched to the outdoor, for best capacity. And to meet your humidity needs.

 

[cig1988]

While its true, that any air handler you would use. Will provide you with cooling.

Unless someone has tested the output capacity, no way to tell if a Goodman, or other brand 24,000 BTU coil, would get you 24,000 BTUs of capacity.

The air handler I listed is a match to the older Gibson (same thing as Frigidaire).
If the outdoor unit were to go out on you.
Any of Nordyne‘s (the maker of Frigidaire, Gibson, Tappan, Maytag, and I think a couple other well know labels) will match to it. So you would have a warranty on a new outdoor unit if you choose to get a new one if the current compressor failed.

Indoor coils, and air handlers don‘t actually have a SEER or BTU rating.

The BTU rating that many manufacturers still use. Is left over from the old days when A/C first came out.
Techs in the field weren‘t educated enough to know how to select coils properly.
So manufacturers made it easy, by placing a BTU rating on the indoor unit, for techs to be able to match to the outdoor unit.

Since each manufacturer, had the own method of matching different compressor to condensers.
The indoor coils of 2 manufacturers could be each be rated at 2 tons. But one may be larger then the other to get the 2 tons of cooling.

So choose what indoor unit you use wisely.
Your HVAC tech shouldn’t try to get you to use just any indoor coil.
It should be matched to the outdoor, for best capacity. And to meet your humidity needs.

Great info... thanks. One tech quoted me $1800 just for the handler/fan assembly which I thought was a little steep. Would anyone know a good dependable source?

 

[cig1988]

Would this be the unit?
http://www.budgetheating.com/Rheem_13_seer_central_air_air_handler_p/159002.htm

 

[beenthere]

Thats a Rheem air handler.

 

[cig1988]

How about this:

http://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewproduct.cfm?productID=453057515

 

[beenthere]

That is a Goodman ECM/VS(variable speed blower) air handler.

Frigidaire, is made by Nordyne.
The names you maywant to search for are: Frigidaire, Gibson, Tappan, Maytag.(I still can't remember what the other brand name is they make)

Again, either of those air handlers you found will provide you with cooling.
Just can't tell how much.

Now is also the time. To keep in mind, that when the outdoor unit fails.
You will be limited in your choice of outdoor units. To either the brand you have. Or also replacing the indoor coil. Or replacing both.

Becareful.
Many manufacturers, are putting waviers in their warranties. That say warranty void if bought over the internet.

I think Alpine, says they will provide the warranty if the manufacturer won't.

And for the price they charge for the equipment they sell, they should.

There mark up is more then most people realize, considering that they have NO labor warranty on parts.

 

[cig1988]

I think I found it:

http://www.expertappliance.com/partfinder.php

 

[cig1988]

Or this one:
Is this the usuall going price?

http://cgi.ebay.com/GIBSON-Air-Hand...213676QQihZ014QQcategoryZ115952QQcmdZViewItem

 

[beenthere]

I would be careful of liquidators.

They usually sell things as is.

They're price for it is far under wholesale.
So that air handler may have come from a wholesaler that went out of business, or a dealer that went out of business.
And will probably be a few years old already.
And no way to know, how it was handled.

But, that would be a good match for your unit.

The other link, takes me to their search screen, and won't let me enter type of unit. So I can't tell you anything

 

[cig1988]

I thought the same w/liquidators. Here's another but as you scroll there are several models with the same part number. Not sure which one I need. It mentions Multi position, Variable speed, txv meetering???

 

[beenthere]

A variable speed air handler is a more expensive air handler.

But, can be set up to provide better moisture removal, to make you far more comfortable in your home.

Any variable speed air handler you get. You want to make sure you get a warranty on it.
Its not a cheap motor, if it goes out.

A TXV is something you want on any VS air handler.
It helps to protect the compressor, by reducing refrigerant flow as the coil gets colder.

More involved explanation with what and how it does. Can be given if you really want to know.

I didn't see another link in your last post.

 

[cig1988]

http://www.1source2buy.com/airhandlers.htm

Great info and I surely appreciate your input. Above is the link. As I was reading the different options I had noticed this:

Variable Speed Blower Kit​

PricePurchase

A and B Sizes​

$393.30

Quantity Desired: ​

C Sizes ​

$512.65

Quantity Desired: ​

So am I correct to assume a blower does not come with the unit?

 

[beenthere]

All those air handlers are multispeed. The have a blower, just not a VS blower.

The T24 through T49 have 3 speed blowers, and the T60 has a 5 speed blower.

They are offering the VS upgrade kit, as a separate item.

They also have the VS blower air handlers listed.

The GB5VMT24K-A is a 2 ton VS speed air handler. $715.69

 

[cig1988]

GB5VM-T24K-A2.00230$715.69

Quantity Desired:​

You have been a huge help! Is this a decent price? Thanks again.

 

[beenthere]

Glad to have helped.

Yes, it is.