What If Your Air Conditioner Has Air Handler Problems?

Homeowners across the Front Range rely on their gas-forced HVAC system to keep them comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. Your HVAC system has both inside and outside units, connected with ductwork to deliver conditioned air throughout your home. 

As a part of that process, the gas-forced air system uses a large fan, known as a blower, to push the air through the ductwork. The blower doesn’t act alone. It relies on various components to ensure the air is delivered efficiently. The air handler delivers conditioned air and helps regulate the air throughout the entire house. It impacts the temperature of each room, the energy efficiency of the HVAC system, as well as overall air quality. 

The air handler manages the delivery of conditioned air. If it’s not working right, it will impact the air quality throughout your home. What can go wrong?

Fan blade problems

Fan blades are susceptible to a variety of problems as they are one of the most active parts of the air handler. If a fan blade is damaged in any way, it will have a significant impact on the other components around it. You can usually hear when a problem occurs, with a loud banging or rattling sound. 

Airflow problems

The primary purpose of an air handler is to create air flow throughout your home. If the air moving through the air handler is anything less than efficient, you’ll feel it in the air supply. One of the most common problems starts when the filter is dirty or clogged. This is also one of the easiest problems to avoid by changing out your filter regularly, and having it inspected seasonally. 

Electrical issues

The HVAC system requires a significant amount of electrical work to keep it operating year round. Over time, these electrical wires can have problems, corrode, and short out the system. The motor itself can develop problems as a lot of power moves through the system every time it starts up and turns off. These sensitive parts can easily become damaged over time. 

Condensation issues

Condensation leaks are often an indicator of an air handler issue. During the summer months, the air conditioner often runs hours at a time, causing a great deal of moisture to collect in a drain pan located under the air handler. The drain pan has a line into the drainage system, and occasionally this can become blocked. Any dirt or debris that collects around the drain pan can get wet, turn into a sticky mess, and block up the drainage line. If this isn’t fixed, it can continue to grow into mold inside the line too. The longer this is left unchecked, the worse the problem can grow. 

The easiest way to prevent these problems and more is to schedule an inspection at the start of each system. It’s the easiest way to ensure your air conditioner, furnace, and ductwork are all in good working condition.