Air handler panels

A system to condition air in a building space, comprising:

• at least one of a heating source and a cooling source;
• an air handler;
• an air distribution system in fluid communication with the air handler, the air distribution system including a return duct having a vent in fluid communication with the building space and in communication with the air handler, and a supply duct having an outlet in fluid communication with the building space and in communication with the air handler, the air handler being disposed between the supply duct and the return duct;
• and
• wherein the air handler further comprises
• a plenum, the plenum forming an air passageway for the air flowing through the air handler;
• the plenum having a return side in fluid communication with the return duct and a supply side in fluid communication with the supply duct;
• a fan positioned in the plenum, the fan having a suction side to draw air from the return side and a pressure side to provide pressurized air to the supply side;
• a conditioning apparatus disposed in the plenum for conditioning air passing through the plenum, the conditioning apparatus in fluid communication with at least one of the heating source and the cooling source;
• a plurality of sound-attenuating panels spaced from one another and extending in a single row across the plenum of the air handler, wherein each panel of the plurality of sound attenuating panels is positioned in the plenum so that each panel of the plurality of sound attenuating panels extends at least partially across the plenum, the plurality of sound attenuating panels is configured to interact with the flow of air in the plenum to attenuate sound propagated through and along the air handler and the air distribution system;
• and
• wherein the fan provides a pressure boost to air flowing through the plenum to counteract a pressure drop of air resulting from interaction with the plurality of sound attenuating panels in the plenum and the conditioning apparatus.