Tech Tip: BAS Starters for Indoor Air Handlers

 

If you regularly order and quote indoor air handlers this tech tip will help you improve your competitiveness and reduce long term operating costs.  The most popular indoor air handlers offer an option for a built in starter. When this option is selected, you will receive a thermal overload starter for an additional price of approximately $1000. Mounted in the access door area it reduces the access door from 30 to 12 1/4”, making field replacements of belts, pulleys etc. a challenging task.

 

Instead, on your next indoor air handler, use a BAS starter.Simply order the air handler field mount ready for the starter (this usually is 

a factory option of $175). A BAS starter can then be mounted outside the air handler keeping the access door free and clear. The net result is your customer gets a superior starter with electronic overload protection, a five year warranty and reduced long term operating costs. You save several hundred dollars on the package, making you more competitive — a true win-win!

 

Indoor Air Handler Built in Starter or BAS?

	Built in Starter	BAS
Overload Protection	Thermal	Electronic
Jam Protection	Per thermal curve (typically 10 seconds)	Included, trip in 3 seconds.
Phase fail protection	Slow usually 30 to 1 min	Included, trip in 3 seconds
Direct Digital Control	Requires interposing relay	Direct wire
Warranty	One year	Five years
Operating costs	Access door limit increases long term maintenance costs	Access door unimpeded for lower maintenance costs.
Installation costs	Pre Installed	Electrician 50- $100.
Starter Cost	$1000+	List price $575 +$175 field mount option on air handler
Total Savings		$200 to $300