Question about tape for attick air handler filter access panel cover

[Shelbylex]

Good evening.
I was looking at my air handler in the attick. I looked up online and it had a door for filter. Since my filter comes earlier in the intake (Intake is in the house with the filter right at the intake door level), I never thought much about this one. I guess I got a bug today to check if there is a filter there (system installed long time ago - did not remember)

The filter access panel (probably around an inch wide and going top to bottom of the air handler) was covered in Foil Grip 1402 tape. The adhesive tape was really tight on - ripped off small pieces at a time and then I just ripped tape on both sides of the access panel so I cold slightly move it... (probably first 5 inches to just move the top and flash some light inside and see if there is a filter.... there was none...)
Well, I do not have any similar tape at home.

So, 2 questions:

1. I covered the top with aluminum Flex Fix tape for Class 1 ducts ( tape has a sign UL181B-FX 64YF) - I think it should be sufficient - is that correct?

2. Is there any benefit of trying to get the original Foil Grip 1402 tape to cover that to part of Filter access door?

3. Do HVAC professionals usually carry that tape? (I will need to have the air handler serviced and cleaned at some point. I doubt they would want to take off the old tape, but might put a small strip to just cover the area I uncovered...)

Thank you

P.S. Trying to figure out what to do with it - I have no other use for the tape and buying a big roll will be just wasteful if not needed...

 

[4x4Pete]

If there isn't one, make up a sheet metal cover for it, screw it on and then tape or silicone the edges to stop air leakage. No need to ever open it again with no filter in there. As far as your tape question, any quality foil tape will work. HVAC professionals may or may not carry that tape, it isn't a normally specified thing, they will carry whatever the wholesaler is carrying.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, 4x4Pete! The panel is there - I just pushed the top part of it to look inside. Covered it with the Flex Fix aluminum tape to make sure it's airtight. Not sure how long it will last - will probably check in few months (I assume Foil Grip 1402 lasts much longer)

 

[Hobby_Man22]

They used aluminum sure tape on my air handler on the access panel where the blower motor is. Not sire of that's what your talking about. Had a tech come out and was like we never did that at my other company up north. I think it's a way for them to tell if someone else got into it. Idk. The very last tech that was out here didn't re tape it and it looks like hell now.

 

[Shelbylex]

Yes, Hobby_Man22. The question was about what type of tape - the one which was on it originally was a thicker tape with Mastic Sealant type of tape (with aluminum on top). The one I put on top was regular aluminum tape for the ducts.