Why do you need an air handler

Air handlers are the “lungs” of your home. Paired with heating or cooling equipment, they manage the airflow keeping your home comfortable and clean in any season. The air handler cabinet houses indoor components of your HVAC system and can fit additional devices that improve air quality and ventilation.

What is a air handler used for?

What Is an Air Handler? In its most straightforward definition, the air handler works with the heating and cooling unit to deliver controlled climate air throughout your home. It’s a system used locally with your current heating and cooling system.

Do you need to replace the air handler with a heat pump?

You should replace your air handler when you replace your air conditioner or heat pump because matched systems perform better. … Additionally, if your heat pump or air conditioner is 10 years old or older, it’s time to replace it anyway.

Is an air handler the same as an air conditioner?

Air handlers are designed to move air around. That’s all that they do. They don’t heat up or cool down, they move air. Air conditioners, on the other hand, exist only to cool air by removing heat from the outdoor air.

Can I replace only the air handler?

Unfortunately, the short answer is yes. You should replace your indoor air handler at the same time as your outdoor heat pump — or air conditioning unit if it’s that time of year.

Why do attics have air handlers?

Easier to Cool Higher Levels One of the advantages of an attic AC handler installation is that it makes it easier to cool the higher levels of the home, if you have a multi-story home. … With attic insulation, it is easier for the HVAC system to distribute cool air throughout the home evenly.

Is air handler a furnace?

The difference between an air handler and a furnace is that a furnace creates and moves heat. An air handler moves air heated (or cooled) by another source. Air handlers and furnaces are heating and cooling appliances that look very much alike. Their function is similar too.

Where should I place my air handler?

They can be installed in a utility closet or utility room in the home, in an unvented attic, or in an insulated and air-sealed basement or crawlspace. If a system must be located in the garage, an insulated and air-sealed closet should be constructed to completely isolate the HVAC equipment from the garage.

How much does an air handler cost?

New Air Handler$700 – $1,500Installation$1,200 – $1,800Remove/Dispose of Old Unit$300 – $500Total$2,200 – $3,800

Should I put my air handler in the attic?

The best place for air handlers is inside the conditioned interior of the home. Another advantage is any air leakage into the air handler cabinet comes from the inside of the house and not the attic or garage with its dust, dirt and contaminants.

Article first time published on

What is a residential air handler?

An air handler, or air handling unit, is the indoor part of an air-conditioning or heat pump system. Air handlers work much like furnaces in that they efficiently move air throughout the home. The main difference is that the air handlers only circulate heat when paired with a heat pump.

Does the air handler and condenser have to match?

The short answer is that a handler and condenser can be different brands and the unit will function properly. … Ideally, it is better to match the same brand of condenser and handler if possible, and have them both replaced together.

How long do air handlers last?

Air conditioning units generally last around 15 years or so. If you want your air conditioning unit to live as long as possible, you want to get it maintained twice a year. Your AC, like your furnace, should be sized correctly for your home.

How do I know if I need to replace my air handler?

Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air. …
AC Thermostat is Not Working. …
Little Air Blows Out of Vents. …
Loud Noise Inside of the AC Unit. …
Strange Odors When AC Turned On. …
Not Enough Humidity Removed By the AC. …
Problems with the AC Are Occurring More Often.

How do I know if I need a new air handler?

Lack of Cool Air & Limited Airflow. This is probably the most obvious sign that your AC is experiencing issues. …
Buildup of Moisture. …
Strange Sounds. …
Foul Smells. …
High Energy Bills.

How long does it take to install an air handler?

If it is a straightforward AC replacement with no issues, expect the job to be done within 2-6 hours, depending on the size of your home. However, if it is a first-time installation, it will always take longer.

Why is my outside AC blowing cold air?

It usually happens when your AC has dirty filters. If the filters are clogged, the air cannot flow over the evaporator coil properly, causing several malfunctions. That causes the coil temperature to drop and start freezing, which leads to the condenser blowing cold air.

Why does my outside AC unit make a loud noise?

If you hear a screeching noise coming from outside, there’s probably an issue with your AC’s compressor. Your compressor is what pumps the liquid refrigerant throughout your AC system. … Most compressors last around 10 years, so if your air conditioner is older than that, it may just be time for a replacement.

Do air handlers use gas?

An air handler does not contain a burner to heat air like a furnace does nor can it use natural gas or propane as a source to function. An air handler is also all electric and does not require venting any exhaust outside.

Do air handlers have filters?

Taking care of the filter is one of the most important things you can do for your air handler. Clean or change your air filter at least once a year to ensure proper air flow and better indoor air quality. Locate your air handler filter. It may be behind the bottom panel of your indoor unit, or there may be two filters.

How does an air handler heat?

An air handler handles the air that goes into your home. It blows air into your ventilation system in conjunction with a device called a heat pump. The heat pump heats the air, then the air handler distributes it through the ductwork and out your vents. … The air handler’s heat pump works much like a refrigerator does.

Do air handlers make noise?

Unusually noisy motors inside air handlers and furnaces make squealing, screeching, rattling, and/or banging noises when the equipment malfunctions. In most cases, these are inexpensive repairs—adding lubricant, tightening parts, and replacing belts.

Can you move an air handler?

Relocation Must be Done by a Professional Only a licensed, qualified technician should ever relocate the equipment. Attempting the job yourself or even with the help of a friend can end up costing you a lot more in the long run, especially if you damage either the unit or the home itself.

Why is my air handler sweating in the attic?

If an air handler is in a garage, attic, crawlspace, or closet, it might experience less air flow and humid air. … Hot, humid air mixes with the cold internal air of the air handler by the cold metal of the unit causing condensation.

Does an air handler have a fan?

Just like a furnace, air handlers contain a blower (fan), controls, and an evaporator coil that conditions and recirculates the air in your home. The air handler works with the outdoor unit (a condenser or heat pump) in a typical split-system by using refrigerant lines that connect the two systems.

How many air handlers do I need?

Rule of thumb #1: One air handler per room Like we mentioned earlier, you’ll need a separate air handler for every room you need cooled. Note: A separate ductless air handler is not needed for small, half bathrooms or hallways. Usually, those rooms will get plenty of cool airflow via larger, nearby rooms.

How do I stop my air handler from sweating?

Sealing the Crawl Space Properly: If you have the air handler unit mounted at the crawl space of your house, then sealing the crawl space properly in order to prevent the humid outside air and/or ground moisture coming inside will definitely help you reduce/eliminate the sweating problem.

Can you put central air in a house with no ductwork?

While any form of installing central air in a house without ducts will require some cutting and modifications, using a high-velocity or mini-split system can provide a much less intrusive, more economical solution in many cases.

Can you insulate an air handler?

Should I Insulate Air Handling Systems? Absolutely! Traditionally, organizations such as the Insulation Institute recommend insulating air handler ducts with fiberglass insulation solutions such as duct liner, duct wrap, or fiberglass boards.

Can air handler be bigger than condenser?

Yes, it’s bad if your evaporator coils are sized bigger or smaller than your condenser coils. In fact, if the size of your evaporator and condenser coils don’t match, it can result in: Higher monthly energy costs. Reduced unit lifespan.

Can you replace just the outside AC unit?

The simple answer is No. When replacing the outside AC unit in your home, HVAC experts recommend that you also replace the indoor unit. While this is entirely your decision, failure to replace both can cause issues such as reduced efficiency, regular failures, and increased cooling costs.