Can I Install a Ceiling Air Handler Vertically? - Ask the Expert Episode 121

Ceiling air handlers are typically installed horizontally, but sometimes you just need to install a ceiling air handler vertically. Let's find out if that's possible. Video Script: Today's question comes from Jeff from America: Hey Dan, I would like to install a recessed or ceiling air handler (intended use is horizontal) in a vertical position. I'm doing this because floor or wall-mounted air handlers in the space would be unattractive. Can this be done without damaging the air handler or compromising its functionality? I guess it could work that way in terms of the refrigerant. But the way they design air handlers is so that the condensation from the coils goes into a pan and then that runs out through a drain. If you installed it vertically, the water might just run out all over your walls and create all sorts of problems. Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter. 
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JT
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Wow that funny !
BRANDON NESTELL
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Can a domestic rooftop ac be mounted vertically
Kyle
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That would depend on what you mean by 'domestic rooftop ac'. The main rooftop air conditioner that I know of would be a package unit. Vertical package units are not terribly common, but they do exist.
Daniel
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Kyle, you’re my new favorite person.
lonnie lewis
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So Kyle, we really don't know what would happen because no one has tried it....even in LAB configuration. I think it could be possible and would like your team to try it.
James Cargal
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When replacing r22 ac and gas furnace install. To a modern freon ac condenser and coil do you need to change line set ?
Dan Danowski
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The line would certainly need to be properly flushed. Whether or not it would need to be completely replaced depends on the requirements of the new system. If they're compatible, then no.
stephen
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We need to replace a very old Carrier Quietline Unit that is, by desigh, mounted vertically through the wall (15.5 inches wide, more than twice that height). Can we use a split system, mounted outside, and with the cool (or possibly also heated) air then vented through the vertical opening in the wall? Is there any way to do that?
Dan Danowski
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There is no split system that would easily adapt to your dimensions. It might be possible to configure ducts from a packaged outdoor unit that would work within the dimensions you give. You would need to provide for both supply air coming into the building and return air going back out to the unit thru the opening
Robert stafford
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That is why we ask questions, was thinking about a mini- split mounted vertically did not even think about the condensation factor. Thanks for the answer about where the condensation would go ?
Mike
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Concerning the question "Can I Install a Ceiling Air Handler Vertically?", the answer is yes, and condensate will not run all over your walls and cause problems. Air handling units can be installed in the following configurations (1) up flow (2) down flow (3) horizontal left discharge, and (4) horizontal right discharge. As an example Rheem AHU's come as "Vertical Upflow & Horizontal Left Discharge is the factory configuration". For Rheem AHU's "The unit as shipped from the factory is not configured for vertical down or horizontal right discharge applications and must be converted in the field to work in those applications." This common language for all of the manufacturer AHU's that I have installed.
Larry
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So.... if one were to install a drip pan and drain under the unit, installed vertically, that might resolve the water intrusion issue -- however -- what other issues might come up? Might the coil condensaion drip into the electronic parts of the unit? Can the unit be positioned in such a way that it could be used with a drip-pan at all? The obvious answer is that it's a ceiling unit and was designed with gravity in mind. The question probably needs to be asked of the individual manufacturer, but the most likely answer will be ceiling units go in celilings. That said -- can't hurt to ask. And ask that the manufacturers look into alternate configurations, like in-wall units. In two of my houses -- I could easily have a flush mount in a bedroom wall, and the guts of the unit on the other side in a closet. BTW: mounting these things other than how the manufacturer states will kill the warranty. Ungood...
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