Meet the Trane 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler
The All-Electric Heating and Cooling Solution.
Find out why our newest air handler unit is a win for homeowners.
By Anne Fonda
More and more homeowners are making sustainability a priority in their homes. A top way to do that is to move towards all-electric heating and cooling, by replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump and compatible air handler. The 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler can help save time on system changeouts, and help homeowners save money.
What is an air handler?
Before we go any further, let’s define an air handler. If you’ve always had a gas furnace and AC unit for your heating and cooling system, you may not know what an HVAC air handler is. Most simply, it’s the indoor component of a central heating and cooling system that circulates heated or cooled air throughout your home.
An air handler performs the same air-circulating function that a gas furnace does. But it leaves the heating of your home to a matched all-electric heat pump.
Why choose the 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler?
The top reasons dealers recommend and homeowners choose the 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler include:
1. No electrical upgrades or retrofitting needed
Most air handlers have 220-240V wiring connections, whereas a typical furnace has 120-volt wiring connections. This means converting from a furnace to a standard air handler can entail some costly and time-consuming electrical upgrades.
With the Trane 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler, making the transition from a gas furnace to a heat pump system has never been easier. Instead of costly changes to wiring, circuit breakers, or electrical panels, this series of air handlers has been engineered to be plug-and-play with your current furnace’s wiring—and their compact design offers a direct-fit replacement into an existing space without the time and expense of retrofitting.
That saves you money on your heat pump conversion, and it saves the dealer time and money as well. Everybody wins.
2. You benefit from groundbreaking technology
Unstoppable performance begins with uncompromising design. We start with the right materials and durable, top-quality, innovative parts. We design features that lead to real-world benefits for dealers and homeowners alike.
Here’s what you get:
Standardized wiring
By using the same wiring connections as your gas furnace, there’s no need for pricey electrical work when converting to a heat pump system. See #1 for full details.
Humidity control
The variable-speed blower motor with Comfort-R™ helps control home humidity as well as evenly distribute conditioned air.
Smooth airflow
Trane’s exclusive Vortica™ II Blower delivers just the right amount of air year-round, eliminating hot and cold spots.
Reduced noise levels
A fully insulated cabinet helps maintain indoor temperatures without any extra sound.
Built to last
Corrosion-resistant steel and durable painted finish to protect your investment.
3. You reduce your carbon footprint
Emission-free operation keeps you comfortable while helping reduce your heating and cooling system’s carbon footprint. Paired with an all-electric TruComfort™ variable speed heat pump, the 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler delivers the perfect blend of sustainability, quiet comfort, and reliability.
4. You can save energy and save money
Upgrading to a new, high-efficiency heat pump and Trane air handler creates an opportunity for lower monthly bills, particularly if you have an older system or an older, larger, or less energy-efficient home. Under ideal conditions, an air source heat pump can transfer more than 300% more energy than it consumes—thanks to energy-saving two-stage and variable-speed compressors.
Whether you’re seeking a more cost-effective way to cool and heat your home or want to reduce your fossil fuel consumption, a modern, all-electric heat pump system offers the best of both worlds.
5. You can take advantage of tax credits and rebates
When you install an eligible heat pump matched system, you become eligible for a federal tax credit. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), the federal tax credit for a heat pump can be up to 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000.
Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for a state heat pump rebate under the Home Energy Rebates section of the IRA. The amount you might be eligible for will vary depending on the state and your income compared to the median income for your state.
Finally, depending on who your electric company is, you may also qualify for rebates for heat pumps from your utility company. Be sure to check the ENERGY STAR® Rebate Finder for information. You may also find that you qualify for rebates for other home appliances you’re planning to buy.
This heat pump/air handler system is best suited for areas with a temperate climate without long, harsh winters. Interested in learning more about a gas furnace to heat pump conversion?
Get a free quote for your heat pump conversion project
There’s never been a better time for an AC + furnace to heat pump conversion. By replacing your AC unit with a heat pump and replacing the furnace with our 120V modular variable speed air handler, you not only reduce your carbon footprint, but you may also reduce your installation costs.
Add in the heat pump tax credit and heat pump rebates for eligible products, and making the conversion has never been more affordable! Contact your local Trane dealer today to explore your options.
Anne Fonda
Content Writer, Trane Technologies
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Erin Smith, Product Marketing Manager