Installation
The purpose of this manual is to give the contractor guidelines for installing the LIFEBREATH Air Handler. All national and local codes relating to this type of equipment must be followed.
Any ductwork running through unconditioned space must be sealed properly and insulated to prevent heat loss. All local codes must be followed in deter- mining the amount of insulation needed.
Locating The Unit
The Air Handler is designed to be installed vertically, in a conditioned space, where the surrounding temperature does not fall below 50°F (10°C). Attic installations are not recommended. Typically the unit is installed in a mechanical area of the basement, or other partitioned mechanical room, elsewhere in the home.
Sufficient clearance around the unit is required for service of the filter and components. As a rule , this unit should be installed adjacent to the hot water heater. If this is not possible, or if the piping layout is complex, the total head pressure on the pump should be calculated.
Duct Connections
To accommodate various installations, the Air Handler has knockouts for the return air plenum on both sides of the cabinet. Special care and attention should be given to determining which knockouts are to be removed.
Penetrations from sheet metal screws used to fasten the ductwork to the cabinet of the unit should only be placed into the duct flange provided. This is to avoid contact and damage of the heating/air conditioning coils and internal wiring.
Ducting
The duct sizing for the furnace section can be deter- mined using HRAI Residential Air System Design Manual, SMACNA, or any other
Note: "Combo units" normally deliver air at approx. 110°F (43°C), and therefore may require larger than normal ductwork. When installing the Air Handler as a replacement unit on a retrofit application, always calcu- late the size of duct that is there.
Piping
The hot water piping between the hot water tank and the Air Handler should be new copper type, and should not be treated with chemicals, sealant or any- thing else, that will interfere with the purity of the potable water. Only
Model AH40DHW | 1/2" nominal |
AH60DHW | 3/4" nominal |
AH40BHW | 1/2" nominal |
AH60BHW | 1/2" nominal |
AH80BHW | 1/2" nominal |
Where possible the length of pipe should not exceed 200' total equivalent length. Any piping running through unconditioned space must be insulated toprevent heat loss, and possible freezing of the line. Stickers indicating direction of flow, (Supply to fur- nace, and Return to water heater) are labeled on the outside of the cabinet. Do not reverse these lines, as this will cause the unit to malfunction.
For piping conventional water heaters or boilers, con- nections to and from the Air Handler to the heater should be made at the point where the pipes leave the heater vertically. A "T" fitting used in each vertical line, with the Air Handler piping connected to the hor- izontal side of this fitting, will work best in avoiding air locks in the circulation pump of the furnace.
*Note: Remove all shipping packaging and discard.
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