What is an Air Handler?

Your air conditioning system comes in three main parts:  outside condensing unit, indoor air handler, and your system of air ducts.

We’ve found, from many years of experience, that the least understood of these is the air handler.

Usually installed in an attic or basement, a heat pump moves conditioned air throughout your home.  Able to work with a central air or heat pump system, air handlers work hand in glove with your outside condensing unit to remove heat from your home, thus leaving behind the desired level of cool air you want.

Both the outside condensing unit and air handler require ongoing preventive maintenance to perform at peak capacity and help keep your energy costs down. One thing you can do on your own, maintenance wise, is to clean or replace the air handlers’ filter about every two months.  A clear filter boosts air flow and, as such, reduces system wear and tear.

When an air filter gets clogged with dirt and dust, the evaporator coils inside the air handler may get clogged. Left unattended long enough, the coils can freeze, leak, and worse yet, damage your outdoor condensing unit.  That chain effect could require you to replace your entire system.

Air handlers also include blower motors.  Like any mechanical part, motors can fail and for a variety of reasons.  Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, it might need to be replaced but often we can repair it.

Bottom line, you can’t drive a car with just an engine, just as you can’t operate an air conditioning system without all the components working in close harmony. To help ensure that, contact GBT Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule preventive maintenance, especially if it’s been a year or more since this service was last performed.