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Touchstone Heating & Air Inc. Blog

Air Handlers: What They Are and How They Can Malfunction

Your air conditioner is made up of a variety of different components that contribute to conditioning the air in your home. But perhaps one of the most important components is the air handler. If the air handler is not working the way it should, your air conditioner may malfunction and stop working to cool your home the way it should.

If you suspect that you have air handler problems, you need to give our team a call to schedule AC repair in Madison, FL. You can also keep reading to learn more about what the air handler is, what it does inside of your air conditioner, and why it is so important. When you can identify the signs of an air handler malfunction, you can stay ahead of an AC breakdown and address problems before they get worse.

What Is an Air Handler?

The air handler on an AC unit is what pushes airflow through the system and into the ductwork so it can move into your home. The air handler is essentially a powerful fan designed to pull airflow through from the air conditioning unit. 

What Are Common Air Handler Problems?

Although it is built to be very sturdy and last for a long time, an air handler does face some common issues. Since it is designed to fit in a tight space, it’s possible for the fan blades to bump against sides and get bent or for the fan to become imbalanced. 

When this happens, you may hear a knocking or tapping sound during operation as a fan blade moves out of place. It will only worsen if left unaddressed. As the problem persists, you may be left replacing the entire air handler instead of making a simple repair.

Air handlers are in nearly constant operation. Because of this, the bearings can wear down or lose lubrication. Without enough lubrication, the bearings can begin to grind, making your AC work harder while also wearing down the components even more. 

Tips for Preventing Air Handler Problems

Annual maintenance is very important for your entire air conditioner, but especially for the air handler. Annual maintenance is an opportunity for us to clean out any dust and dirt that gets into the fan, re-lubricate bearings, and tighten all of the parts so that the air handler can work together with the rest of your air conditioner to effectively cool you’re home.

Aside from annual maintenance, it is also important for you to pay attention to how your air conditioner is operating. If you notice any changes in operation or hear unusual sounds that your air conditioner doesn’t usually make, it is important to schedule service. Don’t wait for the next annual maintenance appointment and put off potential repair needs. It’s always better to address issues sooner rather than later. 

Call Touchstone Heating and Air 24/7 for exceptional customer service! Serving the communities of North Central Florida since 1998.

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