Getting to Know the Ins and Outs of Air Handlers
There is a sort of beauty to the design of complex mechanisms. Take a look at a grandfather clock. There are so many dials, chains, pulleys, and other components that all work in unison to create a masterpiece of design. HVAC systems have the same kind of sophisticated design. It's hard for homeowners to recognize them all and what they do with so many different parts. One of the most important parts of the HVAC system is an air handler. In this article, homeowners can learn the role of this component in the HVAC system and keep it maintained over time.
What is an Air Handler?
Similar to its name, an air handler "handles" the air inside of a home. It distributes conditioned air, either warm or cold, throughout the house to make it feel more comfortable.
Air handlers are commonly confused with air conditioners, but there are a couple of key differences between them:
- Location: Air handlers are typically found inside the home as part of the split-system air conditioner or heat pump while air conditioners are normally found outside of the home.
- Main role: An air handler's main role is to distribute conditioned air through the house while the main role of an air conditioner is to condition the air by removing its heat.
Still, the two do work in unison. The air conditioner removes heat from the air, and then the air handler moves that cooled, conditioned air through the ductwork in the house.
What are the Parts of an Air Handler?
There are several different parts to an air handler that help it to continue working efficiently and effectively. The blower motor is one of the most important parts of an air handler. It's connected to the ductwork in the home to circulate the air indoors. Depending on the model of the blower motor in the home, it could be set to a single-speed, multi-speed, or variable-speed model.
These different speeds determine when the air handler is turned on and off to reach the desired room temperature. The other critical component of an air handler is the air filter, which helps clean the air by catching any dirt, pollen, or other allergens and preventing those particles from making their way through the house.
Services to Maintain Air Handlers
With so many different components of air handlers, they are susceptible to breakdowns. Even if one small mishap occurs with one part of the air handler, it can cause the device to lose its efficiency. Dirty air filters and motor failure are two of the biggest problems with air handlers, but malfunctioning control boards and blower wheels are also common problems.
Engaging in regular maintenance, such as switching out air filters every few months, can prevent these problems from happening. It also is worthwhile for the air handler to be inspected by a professional regularly. They will be able to identify any minor inefficiencies that need to be updated before they lead to a larger problem, and keep the device running as smoothly as possible.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling is proud to have served Livermore area communities since 1998. They focus on customer service and technical professionalism because once a homeowner becomes a client, they become a part of the family. Their goal has always been to provide high-quality HVAC maintenance, service, and installation with the personal touch that only a small business can provide.
