Trane’s Best Air Handlers
We’ve identified our best air handlers in 3 different categories – most efficient, best value, and easiest to install when you’re replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump system.
By Anne Fonda
Whether paired with a heat pump or air conditioner, every Trane air handling unit efficiently circulates cool or warm air throughout your house, keeping you comfortable in every season.
What is an air handler?
An HVAC air handler is part of a traditional split system. Traditionally, a split system containing an air handler is installed with a heat pump, but air handlers can also be paired with an air conditioner. The air handler is the indoor component that circulates cooled or heated air, depending on the season. They consist of two major components: a blower motor and an evaporator coil.
Several accessory components can be installed with air handlers to provide various benefits. Supplemental l heat strips can be installed to provide auxiliary heat when a heat pump is running during colder temperatures. An additional accessory for an air handler is UV lights - either coil sanitizing lights or in-duct air sanitizing lights. A UV light kit can help prevent mold in humid climates.
Air handlers are diverse - each unit has a unique combination of features to provide different efficiencies and comfort levels. Here are the best of the best.
Most efficient: Hyperion™ TAMX Air Handler
The top-of-the-line Trane Hyperion™ TAMX Air Handler represents a significant advance in technology and whole-home comfort using 14 industry-exclusive patents.
Features include:
- Trane Link® technology to control all of the system components - helping ensure your system is operating at peak performance consistently
- 24v connections
- Vortica™ blower for ultra-quiet efficiency
- Highly efficient variable-speed motor to help eliminate hot and cold spots
- Comfort-R™ technology for excellent humidity control
- All-aluminum epoxy-coated coils for longer life and superior odor prevention
- Electronic refrigerant valve that helps to precisely control refrigerant flow
- Fully enclosed insulation and double-walled cabinets that minimize airborne dust and condensation that can cause mold and mildew
- UV light kit available as an accessory
- Modular design for easier installations
- Integrated “no leak” rust-resistant dual slope drain pan
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Compatible with Trane CleanEffects®
- 10-year registered limited warranty on the coil and functional parts
Best value: M Series Air Handler
At Trane, the best value doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest. We’ve identified the M Series Air Handler as the best value because it offers energy efficiency and comfort at a more affordable price point.
Top features include:
- All-aluminum coil for longer life
- Vortica™ blower* for improved efficiency and noise reduction
- Multi-speed ECM motor**
- Comfort-R humidity control*
- Electric heating option
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- No-rust polymer drain pan
- Compatible with Trane CleanEffects®
- 10-year registered limited warranty on the coil and functional parts
*TEM6 air handler family
**TEM4 air handler family
Easiest for heat pump conversion: 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler
If an electric heat pump won the heat pump vs gas furnace competition in your home, there is no better air handler for you. The 120V Modular Variable Speed Air Handler makes a gas furnace to heat pump conversion easy.
That’s because most air handlers have 220-240v wiring connections, while a typical gas furnace has 120v connections. So, using a traditional air handler, you’ll have to spend time and money on electrical upgrades.
Not with the 120V modular variable speed air handling unit. It uses the same wiring connections as the furnace. It is also sized just like a furnace, making it a plug-and-play direct-fit replacement. If you want a heat pump to replace your gas furnace, this is the air handler for you.
In addition to making the conversion easy and less costly, this air handler has some other top features, including:
- Variable speed motor for improved efficiency and quieter operation
- Vortica™ II blower design for even airflow distribution
- Menu-driven control board
- Insulated cabinet for reduced noise
- Comfort-R™ technology for superior humidity control
- 10-year registered limited warranty on functional parts
A note about sizing
To work most efficiently, your air handler should be paired with a heat pump or air conditioner of an appropriate size and capacity - a matched system. Work with an HVAC professional to determine the proper HVAC system sizing for your home.
Depending on the air handling unit, Trane air handlers are available in multiple sizes, including:
- 2-ton air handler
- 2.5-ton air handler
- 3-ton ar handler
- 3.5-ton air handler
- 4-ton air handler
- 5-ton air handler
Your Trane dealer will determine the appropriate sizing of your system and make product recommendations based on their assessment.
The Hyperion™ Series Air Handler is also available in a 1.5-ton capacity unit. Learn more about Trane’s Best Heat Pumps and Trane’s Best Air Conditioners to help you decide on the best HVAC system for your home. When you pair your air handler with a Trane heat pump, you may be eligible for the heat pump tax credit of up to $2,000.
Contact Your Local Comfort Specialist
Not sure which air handler is right for your HVAC system? Your local Trane Comfort Specialist can help you make an informed decision by offering a customized evaluation of your heating and cooling needs and following up with personalized product recommendations. This includes giving you information on financing and which systems are eligible for federal tax credits and rebates.
Find out why Trane is America’s Most Trusted® HVAC Brand for the 10th year in a row.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
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 Kellie Lindenmoyer, Senior Product Manager, Air Handlers
Related Articles
