COST CALCULATOR

How Much Does It Cost To Install An Air Handler?

Q: What’s the best brand of air handler?

Depending on the professional you talk to, first choices vary. Going with a well-known brand brings a lot of benefits when it comes to finding replacement parts and getting warranty coverage. Carrier, Lennox, and Trane are among the most prominent brands.

Q: Can I do any part of an air handler replacement project myself?

If you have your electrician and plumber disconnect your old unit, you can remove it and take it to a disposal facility yourself. Contractors often get a better disposal rate, but these savings are often charged back to the customer for the task of transporting the old unit.

Q: What type of air handler is better?

Overall, variable-speed air handlers are more energy-efficient. Due to the ability of the motor to adjust to your current airflow needs, you’ll be saving energy during times of lower demand. Hydronic air handlers are lower on the pricing scale, making them a better option if you don’t have the funds to pay a higher cost upfront. However, they’ll cost more in utility bills since they only run at one speed.

Q: How do I know what size of air handler I need?

The best way to purchase an air handler with confidence is to consult with a local HVAC professional. They’ll be able to consider factors aside from your home's square footage. For example, if you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace in certain rooms in your home, your air handler may not need to be a large size. If your home’s insulation isn’t the best, you may need a more powerful air handler to ensure your home stays at the temperature you choose. The climate you live in will also dictate what size of air handler works best in your location. An HVAC pro will be able to make a recommendation tailored to your area.

Q: What’s the best time of year to install or replace an air handler?

You can install an air handler during all times of the year, though there may be advantages to choosing a less busy time. The demand for heating generally spikes during cold winter months, meaning that you may pay a premium if HVAC pros are busy. On the flip side, many people struggle with air conditioning in the summer, and if you need your air handler replaced during a heat wave, you may end up paying more than you need to.

Typical range: $2,801-$3,299

Find out how much your project will cost

Zip Code

cost to install an air handler Calculator

For your project in zip code 98109 with these options, the cost to install an air handler starts at $2,801.43-$3,298.67 per handler. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.

Air handlers connect to heating and cooling systems and blow treated air into an indoor environment. An air heater or conditioner changes the air's temperature, whereas an air handling unit contains a blower that pushes the warmed or cooled air into your home.

The primary difference between an air handler and an air conditioner or furnace is that an air handler is only meant to move the air into and around your home. It doesn’t change the temperature of the air on its own.

Cost Calculator

Zip Code

Calculations are dependent on where you live

Handler

Standard Services		Quantity	Low	High
What you can expect
Range per handler:			$2,801.43	$3,298.67
Range for this type of project:			$2,801	$3,299
Estimate: $3,050
	Air Handler Cost	1 handler	$1,032	$1,204
	Cost of residential-grade, 220 CFM fresh-air exchanger to evenly transfer moisture and heat. 120V electrical connection required at installation site. Five-year limited warranty guarantees excellence.
	Air Handler Labor, Basic	8 hours	$686	$832
	Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Unit will be assembled, leveled, and secured. Discharge will be configured, and unit connected to condensation drain and ducting. Controller will be programmed, and optimal operation verified. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.
	Air Handler Job Supplies	1 handler	$52	$59
	Requisite supplies for the job, including fittings, fasteners, and mounting hardware.
	Air Handler Cost	1 job	$1,032	$1,204

	Air Handler Labor, Basic	7 jobs	$650	$788

Standard services

Air Handler Cost
$1,032 -$1,204

1
handler

Cost of residential-grade, 220 CFM fresh-air exchanger to evenly transfer moisture and heat. 120V electrical connection required at installation site. Five-year limited warranty guarantees excellence.

Air Handler Labor, Basic
$686 -$832

8
hours

Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Unit will be assembled, leveled, and secured. Discharge will be configured, and unit connected to condensation drain and ducting. Controller will be programmed, and optimal operation verified. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.

Air Handler Job Supplies
$52 -$59

1
handler

Requisite supplies for the job, including fittings, fasteners, and mounting hardware.

Air Handler Cost
$1,032 -$1,204

1
job

Air Handler Labor, Basic
$650 -$788

7
jobs

Optional Services

What you can expect

Range per handler:
$2,801 - $3,299

Range for this type of project:
$2,801 - $3,299

Estimate:
$3,050

Cost Comparison

YOUR ESTIMATE

$3,050

NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE

$2,627 -$3,093

YOUR ESTIMATE

Install an Air Handler: national average cost

The national average materials cost to install an air handler is $1,048.17 per handler, with a range between $967.40 to $1,128.94. The total price for labor and materials per handler is $2,859.73, coming in between $2,626.62 to $3,092.83. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.

cost to install an air handler
National Avg. Materials Cost per handler	$1,048.17
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 handler	$2,859.73
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 handler	$2,626.62 - $3,092.83

Air handler costs

Air handlers range in cost based on their size and brand. The units on their own cost between $1,500 and $3,400, with an additional $800 and $1,800 for labor and installation. Labor costs vary based on your location, the cost of living, and the level of experience of your HVAC installer.

In terms of brand names, expect to pay more for models from Trane, Lennox, and Carrier.

Air handler installation cost factors

Three main factors greatly impact your air handler cost: ton size, type, and brand. Below are details of how each factor affects your overall project cost.

Ton size

Ton size refers to the amount of space in square footage your air handler unit covers. At the small end, your unit covers between 600 and 900 square feet and costs $600 to $800. At the high end, your unit will cover 2,600 to 3,400 square feet and cost $1,300 to $2,100.

Aside from square footage, there are other factors to consider when you’re planning for the size of air handler you need. Overall, if you’re on the fence about what size you need, it’s safer to size up rather than go with a more conservative option. The last thing you want is for your home to be inadequately heated or cooled after going through the time and effort of installing a new air handler.

Type

There are two main types of air handlers:

Hydronic air handlers range from $1,000 to $1,600. These units connect a boiler or tankless water heater that uses its own coils to heat air before the air handler blows it into your home. Hydronic air handlers are single-speed, meaning they’re either on or off with no speed adjustment.
Variable-speed units go from $1,400 to $2,500, on average. Variable-speed air handlers use a motor that adjusts based on your current heating or cooling needs, making them more energy-efficient. While they’re more expensive upfront, variable-speed air handlers will be easier on your bank account in the long run since they use much less energy.

Brand

The brand you choose to go with for your air handler will impact the cost. Bigger name brands come at premium prices. However, they often boast better components and more extensive warranties. Lennox, Trane, and Carrier are some of the most prominent manufacturers of air handlers.

Cost to replace an air handler

The cost to replace an air handler is generally more than installing a new unit because there are additional costs to remove and dispose of the old unit.

In terms of the total cost, budget between $2,200 and $3,800 for the replacement of an old air handler. The national average cost of a new air handling unit is $1,100, while the removal of an old unit costs $450, and the installation of the new unit averages $900.

If you’re planning on changing the location of your air handler, bring in an electrician to handle the new wiring. This will bump your air handler replacement cost overall, depending on the complexity of the new location.

When an air handler is connected to a heat pump, it’s common to replace both at the same time. Generally, heat pump installation includes an air handler, so it makes sense to do them together. The cost to replace a heat pump and air handler averages about $5,500.

DIY or hire a pro

When it comes to your HVAC system, it’s always your best bet to hire a licensed pro to tackle the installation for you. Not only will they be able to consult with you on the best size and type for your use, but they’re also likely to have plumbers and electricians that they routinely work with. Having tradespeople who are familiar with working together means your project can move ahead more quickly since communication may be smoother.

If you have a preferred electrician or plumber, let your HVAC installer know ahead of time and they’ll likely be happy to accommodate you.

Air handler installation is not a project for the average homeowner, even if you’re a DIY champion. It’s an essential system in your home, so the risk of mistakes and injury during installation isn’t worth it. With electrical and plumbing elements, this type of project is one best left to the pros.