Since 1980, KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Installation has become the premier AC repair contractor in Palm Springs and beyond because we provide high-quality repairs at fair prices and with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re sick of being treated like another paycheck, call us and find out what a difference working with a locally owned contractor makes.
Besides being the area’s go-to AC contractor, you can count on us for all of your heating repair needs too.
What is the Purpose of an Air Handler?
Many homeowners don’t know the technical details of how their HVAC systems work, and that’s fine. However, the typical air conditioner contains many critical components, one of which is the air handler.
As its name suggests, the air handler is a unit that handles the air inside the house to provide you with warm or cold air, so when this part breaks down, it renders the entire system useless.
Depending on your HVAC system, the air handler may be the primary indoor component of your heat pump system. This component is designed to circulate the conditioned air throughout your home’s ducts efficiently.
So, now that you know how critical the air handler is to your home’s heating and cooling system let’s look at the most common issues you may face with this setup.
When to Call for Air Handler Services in Palm Springs
As mentioned, the air handler is a critical component that circulates the warm or cold air from your HVAC system throughout your house. However, like any machine, the air handler can break down. Here are the most common problems you may experience with your air handler that requires a call to a professional AC repair company.
Fan Unit Issues
Your air handler uses a blower/fan system that helps it push the conditioned air throughout your house, so if the fan fails, you won’t be able to get the comfort you desire. Typical warning signs that the fan is failing are if it starts making strange noises or fails to blow at all.
Leaks in the Condensate Pan
Another common sign that you have issues with your air handler is if you notice that the condensate pan is leaking. During summer, your AC system creates a significant amount of condensation that accumulates in the pan below the air handler. If mold or other debris builds up in the drain line, it causes the pan to overflow, leading to water damage or the influx of pests like bugs and mice.
Dirty AC Blowers
Like the typical air conditioner, your home’s air handler has filters to keep out debris and pathogens. If you don’t change these filters regularly, it can cause the system to lose efficiency and break down.
Blower Motor Failure
Another common issue people with air handlers face is a blower motor failure. Several issues can cause a blower motor to stop working, including a bad relay, control board, run capacitor, or the blower wheel.
Because of the complex nature of modern HVAC systems, it’s best to call a professional HVAC contractor like KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning when you need air handler repair.
Can You Get By With Air Handler Replacement?
Coachella Valley homeowners that rely on heat pumps and air handlers to heat and cool their homes may wonder if they have to replace both systems if one of them fails, and the short answer is, yes. If either the indoor or outdoor unit fails, you’re much better off replacing the entire system instead of the broken component, and here’s why.
When a company designs AC units and heat pumps, they’re designed as a matched system, which performs better as a whole because the components are built to work with one another for optimum efficiency. While you can technically replace one component without the other, you jeopardize the dependability of both units.
So, when one component in your HVAC system breaks down, you’re best bet is to replace both at the same time.
If you’re still unsure which direction to turn, contact one of our experienced technicians for a consultation.
