Your heating and cooling system has at least one indoor air handler, and it plays a major role in how efficiently the equipment runs. Even though it stays mostly out of sight, usually stored in a utility closet or basement, it is an essential component for keeping the home comfortable. Understanding how many air handlers your home has and how they work is crucial to spotting early warning signs of trouble.
What Is an Indoor Air Handler?
The air handler is the part of the HVAC system that moves heated or cooled air through the ductwork and into each room through the supply vents. It works by pulling air through the return vents and moving it across the heating or cooling components, depending on the season. Most air handlers include a blower motor, blower fan, air filter and electrical controls. In many central air conditioning and heat pump systems, they also house the evaporator coil.
The location of the air handler depends on your heating and cooling setup. If you’re using an electric, oil or gas furnace, the air-handling components are usually built directly into the furnace cabinet. In most central air conditioning systems paired with a furnace, the blower is inside the furnace while the evaporator coil is installed on or just above the furnace. If you’re using a ductless mini-split heat pump to heat and cool your home, each indoor unit has its own air handler, allowing you to customize the temperature in every room or zone.
What Are the Most Common Air Handler Problems?
If the air filter in the air handler becomes dirty and clogged, it reduces the whole system’s energy efficiency and airflow. This is why it’s so important to check and replace the filter every 30 to 90 days. If you have indoor pets, it may need to be replaced more frequently. Warning signs of a clogged filter include weak airflow, uneven temperatures throughout the home and longer heating and cooling cycles.
Blower motor problems are also quite common with indoor air handlers as systems get older and their bearings and electrical connections wear out or become damaged. If the condensate drain line becomes clogged, you may notice water backing up around the indoor air handler. This problem needs immediate attention to help prevent water damage and mold growth.
How to Help the Air Handlers Last Longer and Perform Better
Changing the air filter regularly and scheduling annual maintenance for the HVAC are the best ways to keep the air handler(s) working properly and reliably. Skilled technicians know the ins and outs of the entire heating and cooling system and how to fine-tune the air handler to run at peak performance through each season. It also helps to make sure each air vent remains clean and unobstructed at all times, so the system doesn’t have to deal with airflow restrictions.
The time you put into taking care of your air handler and the HVAC as a whole can make a big difference in your energy bills and how comfortable the living spaces are. Whether your home has a traditional forced-air system with one air handler or a ductless mini-split with multiple air handlers, each one needs regular filter changes and annual tune-ups to run efficiently. When you need air handling unit cleaning services in Canton, MA, contact AirCare Environmental Services.
