Air Handler Insulation Blankets

What is an Air Handler?

Air handling systems, or air handlers, are large metal boxes that can resemble a furnace that contain many components such as air ducts, blowers, air filters, heating or cooling elements, and more. They are found in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities of all sizes. Their purpose is consistent: to move conditioned air throughout an HVAC system and circulate it back into the home or facility.

An air handling unit (AHU) is pictured above. Air flow is from the right to left in this case. The AHU components numbered are:

1. Supply duct
2. Fan compartment
3. Vibration isolator (‘flex joint’)
4. Heating and/or cooling coil
5. Filter compartment
6. Mixed (recirculated + outside) air duct

Air handlers are found installed in conjunction with an air conditioning unit or heater, moving the conditioned air to its desired location. Heating and cooling capabilities can also be found in more advanced air handlers as shown above.

Should I Insulate Air Handling Systems?

Absolutely! Traditionally, organizations such as the Insulation Institute recommend insulating air handler ducts with fiberglass insulation solutions such as duct liner, duct wrap, or fiberglass boards. They list 3 benefits of insulating air handler ducts:

1. Energy Conservation
2. Condensation Control (Prevents Sweating)
3. Noise Reduction

We couldn’t agree more! However, there’s a more effective way to achieve these goals: Thermaxx Jackets.

Best Way to Insulate Air Handlers

While using traditional fiberglass insulation applications on air handler ducts is a great start, Thermaxx Jackets has a modern solution. Our removable insulation blankets are designed to keep heated ducts hot and chilled ducts cold, preventing your conditioned air from changing temperature due to contrasting ambient temperatures. Because they are removable by design, your insulation won’t be in the way when it’s time for repairs or inspections, unlike traditional stay in place fiberglass insulation methods.

Additional benefits of protecting your air handler ducts with Thermaxx Jackets removable insulation blankets include the prevention of condensation forming in, on, or around your air handler which can lead to microbial growth and moisture-related damage to your building or machinery.

Lastly, the quality and thickness of a Thermaxx Jacket can reduce the noise made by an air handler (and any other noisy component). The materials used to manufacture the insulation blanket are sound absorbing and dampening. Don’t let the humming and rattling of your air handler disturb your employees, quiet things down with a Thermaxx Jacket.

Want more information on removable insulation blankets for air handlers or any other specialized component? Contact Us or call (475) 255-7132.