enclosing the air hander in the laundry room

[gomoho]

I have searched and searched and couldn't find anything addressing this issue. I remember when we were looking at resales we saw several air handlers in the laundry room that were enclosed for asthetic purposes.
Anyone had this done? Who do you call for something like this and what is the price range? Moving it to the garage is cost prohibitive so I'm hoping to improve it's appearance and possibly quiet it down some. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Arrived less than a month ago and loving TV lifestyle. Just wish there wasn't so much to do in the house!!!!

[BernieJr]

Not sure what some people have done however, the unit needs air, you need access for repair, and you need to be able to change the filter. If it is a gas fired unit there most likely be codes that prohibit enclosing with walls to closely. Before doing anything you should check with an HVAC contractor like SunKool or call the building dept.

[HHMAN]

We bought a 3 section white room divider, I think from Pennys, and it sits on the ledge and works fine.

[Dirigo]

I have searched and searched and couldn't find anything addressing this issue. I remember when we were looking at resales we saw several air handlers in the laundry room that were enclosed for asthetic purposes.
Anyone had this done? Who do you call for something like this and what is the price range? Moving it to the garage is cost prohibitive so I'm hoping to improve it's appearance and possibly quiet it down some. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Arrived less than a month ago and loving TV lifestyle. Just wish there wasn't so much to do in the house!!!!

What did you get for prices for moving the air handler to the garage? I'd like to do that but have not asked for a quote yet.

[jimbo2012]

Not an expert just my thoughts.

To move to garage, one full day two men + new duct work rerun elec and lines to compressor new freon, my guess $1,000-1500+

The air handler gets its air from the return duct or grill in usually the adjacent room not from the room it's located in.

So you can enclose and add sound proofing I believe, you will need access doors and perhaps certain switches may need to be relocated, but it is basic carpentry, one man one day plus materiel, my guess $200-250.

[gomoho]

Jimbo, That is pretty much what I had in mind now I just need to find that "one man"!

[l2ridehd]

I saw an estimate of something closer to $5000 to move it to the garage. Enclosing it should be done with removeable or opening type doors and probably louver type. Probably closer to $400.

[drdodge]

call John Manion at 352 348 3946. he does that kind of work

[jimbo2012]

I saw an estimate of something closer to $5000 to move it to the garage. Enclosing it should be done with removeable or opening type doors and probably louver type. Probably closer to $400.

$5K is rip off.....

I would use removable panels not doors it is less $$ and you don't need frequent access.

A louver will negate the sound proofing, if it needs air use a vent to outside or attic garage etc, but I don't think it needs it.

[zcaveman]

Just a note for you that are doing a new build. This is an option. Back in 2001 it cost me $288 to have the airhandler relocated to the garage.

I am sure there is a lot more work involved on an after the build move.

[VillagerNut]

Hello Gomoho,
It is your Realtor! Since you have an Electric air handler you can totally enclose the air handler. But it is still best to do the vented doors to give some circulation for the air handler. If anyone has a GAS air handler, you MUST have vented doors to allow for the gas fumes to circulation. Cost should be around $300 to 400. Everyone needs to remember to call Seniors vs Crime at 352-735-7775 to see if any complaints have been filed against the "contractor" that you plan to use! Now Gomoho - GO HAVE FUN!!!!

[Joaniesmom]

Sorry to ask, but we don't have "air handlers" here in Ohio. What are they? Thanks for your patience.

Joaniesmom

[festusrules]

I looked at some Cottage floor plans and it looks like they are now including bifold doors in front of the air handlers.:pepper2:

[Lady Sunshine]

I too am in a quandary about putting up a room divider to hide duct work in laundry room.Anyone ever tried it and can offer ideas?

[ducati1974]

An air handler is the indoor section of an air conditioner or heat pump. It is a metal "box" that contains the indoor blower, evaporator coil, controls and in some cases an electric heat coil (similar to a toaster coil). The air handler is connected to the supply & return ductwork and piped to the outdoor air section of the A/C or heat pump. Oil & gas furnaces are not normally referred to as air handlers.

[Lady Sunshine]

Please go on about your creative suggestions.

[batman911]

May want to check code on location. TV moved the equipment from the garage nearer to the outside unit in the Lantana model recently because of some new rule.

[HHMAN]

to: Sunshine Girl

In a previous post a couple months I said that a 3 fold room divider works fine! Some of the ledges are smaller than others so make sure you ahve roon for it to stand and bend.

[borjo]

When we built, we had the air handler moved to the garage but then they suggested we make the garage 2' longer Something to think about. Had a local handyman enclose it with louvered doors.

[billalexander]

I have a gas furnace with the air handler as you come in the door from the garage. I had my enclosed using bead board for the side and two louvered bi-fold doors on the front. I have plenty of ventilation and it turned out really nice. The contractor allowed enough room between unit and side and front doors that heat is not an issue. I had it done a couple of years ago and I think it was about $400 for material, labor and painting.

[Phanatic Luvr]

At my last home, our air handler was in the garage but visible from the street which we didn't like seeing when the garage door was up. So, after some thought and me being on the thrifty sensible side, I decided to hang 84" curtains from the ceiling to cover it. Very inexpensive, washable and easy access to the unit.

[gomoho]

So I am revisiting the "disguise of the air handler" situation and my husband and I were psyched to start this project after seeing what a neighbor did. Thought we had a plan till it came to the doors - wanted to use 2 24" bifolds to cover 48" of the area. No problem finding a door that width, but they are all 80" high and we are working with a 72" opening. They can't be cut so thought we would do solid core bypass doors - not enough width to work with - ledge is only 2 3/4 inches where the doors would be. So back to square one unless someone can come up with an alternative suggestion??? Neighbor built his own doors - way beyond our ability.

P.S. Had several quotes of $600+ and thought we could do it for much less.

[jimbo2012]

Just order the door sizes you need at HD or Lowes, they will do it.

[gomoho]

Have been all over the internet and no one sells 72" doors. Did find someone in NY who would build them and ship, but the cost was crazy - almost $450.

[billalexander]

I had mine enclosed using white bead board on open side and louvered bifold doors in front to allow air intake. It turned out great and looks nice. No problem with access. On bead board side, contractor cut approx a 12/12 panel to allow access to back of air handler. Just unscrew about 4 screws and you have access. I am thinking it was approximately $500 to $600 hundred dollars for materials, labor, painting and they actually had to move light.









I have searched and searched and couldn't find anything addressing this issue. I remember when we were looking at resales we saw several air handlers in the laundry room that were enclosed for asthetic purposes.
Anyone had this done? Who do you call for something like this and what is the price range? Moving it to the garage is cost prohibitive so I'm hoping to improve it's appearance and possibly quiet it down some. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Arrived less than a month ago and loving TV lifestyle. Just wish there wasn't so much to do in the house!!!!

[jimbo2012]

ok, plan "B"

If it was me I'd just use a hollow core door and cut it off. You can make a new strip from a 2X4. Just rip a piece off equal in width to the space inside the door top or bottom.

If U want me to show U how to do I'll be happy to help

[Investment Painting Contractors]

ok, plan "B"

If it was me I'd just use a hollow core door and cut it off. You can make a new strip from a 2X4. Just rip a piece off equal in width to the space inside the door top or bottom.

If U want me to show U how to do I'll be happy to help

Jimbo why not remove the block from the section you cut off, and re glue it?

[mrfixit]

Jimbo why not remove the block from the section you cut off, and re glue it?

:agree: Just like the "Pros" do it ......

Quick and easy.....
...... Just use the proper blade.....
......and BLUE tape on both sides of door to prevent splinter and marking.

[jimbo2012]

Try it, but it is also glued in usually, so it doesn't just come out clean, quicker to cut a new piece I found.

blue works good, but these r mostly luan wood so if you score it with a utility knife that helps to