A heat pump without an air handler is like a fan without blades.
The motor can revolve, but it won’t move any air.
The same goes for a heat pump. The outdoor unit might be in perfect working condition. Still, the heating and cooling process stops without an indoor evaporator coil, connecting refrigerant lines, and a fan to blow conditioned air through ductwork.
Add an air handler inside your home, and your heat pump will be back in business.
What Is an Air Handler?
If you own a heat pump or split system air conditioner, air handlers are crucial to your comfort. However, not all HVAC equipment requires a separate air handler.
If you own a gas furnace, the air conditioner evaporator coil typically sits above the furnace, and the furnace blower distributes the cooled air throughout your home.
Air handlers may be the least understood type of HVAC equipment. They are essential for some systems and redundant in others.
Confusing? They can be.
Ask the Pros atGillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air About Air Handlers
Our expert team at Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air can answer your questions and concerns about air handlers and explain how they may affect your heating and cooling system.
If you plan to replace your aging furnace with an electric heat pump, we can help with equipment recommendations and installation. That includes recommending an air handler to work with your heat pump and ductwork
What Does an Air Handler Do?
Air handlers, no matter what size, are the distribution system for your HVAC unit. Here is what they do:
- Circulate Air: The handler’s powerful blower fan pulls air over the indoor coil, pushing out conditioned air through your ductwork and into your home.
- Filter Air: Air handlers contain air filters that trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants, improving indoor air quality (IAQ). Filters prevent these particles from circulating in your home or settling on the indoor coil.
- Ductwork Connection: The air handler connects to your home’s ductwork, where cool or warm air enters and returns for reconditioning.
Does My Home Need an Air Handler?
When your air handler functions correctly, it distributes temperature evenly throughout your home and eliminates hot and cold spots. It also maintains airflow to your HVAC unit, allowing it to operate without straining.
Its filter is essential for trapping pollutants and contributing to cleaner, healthier indoor air. Keeping particles out of your HVAC system contributes to its longevity.
Air handlers also help regulate humidity in your home, which is crucial for maintaining comfort. Too much humidity can create the perfect environment for mold growth. Indoor air without sufficient moisture can dry your skin and warp wood floors and furniture.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. An air handler can help maintain the proper level, especially when working with a humidifier or dehumidifier.
Highly efficient air handlers use variable-speed blowers that adjust their output continuously to maintain a constant temperature in your home. They reduce energy consumption and can save money on utility bills.
Maintaining Your Air Handler
If your home has an air handler, it has a filter. Check your air filter every month and replace it when it is dirty. Consult your user manual for guidance on the type of filters your unit uses and how often you should replace them.
Our qualified technicians at Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air will check your air handler’s blower motor, fan, and other components during your annual heat pump or air conditioning tune-up.
Regular preventative maintenance can keep your air handler operating at peak efficiency and detect issues before they escalate into costly problems or breakdowns.
Uneven heating and cooling, strange noises, or weak airflow could indicate your air handler has a problem with the blower fan, a clogged filter, or a faulty thermostat. Let us at Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air diagnose and correct the issue before it spirals out of control.
Call the Air Handler Experts
Whether you need air handler installation, maintenance, or repair in your home, our qualified team at Gillette Services – Plumbing, Heating & Air is ready to help. Call us at (801) 465-7760 or request service online
