Contact a local HVAC specialist, and they can check your air handler system and repair or replace the fan blades for you.
We've already explained how a dirty air filter can cause weak air, but did you know that holes or large cracks in an air handler can also contribute to this problem? They can also contribute to reduced air quality by allowing mold and mildew to take root and grow.
An air handler costs $1,500 to $3,400 to replace, depending on the ton size, brand, and type. Air handler prices are $700 to $1,600 for the unit alone, plus $800 to $1,800 for replacement labor. Air handler fan coil units from top brands like Trane, Carrier, and Lennox cost the most.
Your typical central air conditioning connected to an air handler and using ductwork can last as long as 30 years with good luck and maintenance but will generally need to be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years.
As long as you can get a new AC setup that matches the airflow the air handler can put out, you can just replace the AC and not the air handler.
Even if components are worn, there's a better option than replacing the entire unit: refurbishing the AHU to make it work like new. Trimark Mechanical's extensive experience in air handler refurbishment cuts costs while shaving weeks (even months) off replacements.
Air handlers typically include a blower, heating element, and filter and are located inside. Condensers, on the other hand, include a compressor, cooling coils, and a fan. All you need to do is walk outside and look for a large metal box sitting on a concrete slab. That's your air condenser.
Air handler/blower motors last about 10-15 years with regular air conditioner maintenance. Without regular maintenance, the motor may give out sooner. A professional HVAC technician can repair or replace a broken motor, getting your fan up and running.
Schedule a preventative maintenance checkup for your air handler with your local dealer at least once a year. Your air handler is responsible for evenly distributing cool and warm air throughout your house.
Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching
One of the first signs you may notice when there's an issue with the blower motor is a strange noise coming from the indoor unit or air handler.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
A constantly running HVAC fan can combat the number of bacteria and viruses within your home. According to the American Lung Association, the more your air circulates, the less chance the viruses have to spread. With air always on the move, bacteria and viruses can be pushed outside your home along with dirty air.
First make sure there is power to the indoor unit and that a switch or breaker isn't off. Some indoor units (Heat Pumps) have breakers right on the Air Handler itself. But also check the main breaker panel. Some units have a shutoff switch on the side of the unit or an Emergency Switch located on a wall.
Inadequate airflow
This problem can arise from several factors, including clogged filters, issues with the fan, blockages in the ductwork, or malfunctioning dampers. Addressing these issues effectively can enhance the performance of your AHU.
Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $6,000 to get a heat pump replaced. If you want to get your air handler replaced with the pump, expect to pay between $4,000 and $9,000. Adding ductwork will push the final cost to $15,000 or more.
The blower fan regulates the airflow. If the fan blades are damaged or obstructed, they won't perform their job properly leading to airflow issues and no cooling (in cooling mode). Fan blades are susceptible to damage as they rotate and if anything comes in contact with them, they may become bent or damaged.
Yes, Technically. Not advisable. Cost — While it's cheaper at the time to just replace part of the system, if you have to make repairs on the part you didn't replace or end up replacing the 2nd part at a later date it will end up costing more than it would have to replace the entire system.
Thermostat: 5-10 years; smart thermostats need sensor replacements in 2-3 years. Heat Exchangers: 15-25 years made with modern materials; 30+ with cast iron. Commercial air handler: 15-20 years.
If your unit is more than 10 years old, there are many factors that may encourage you to replace the unit. Energy Efficiency: Units that exceed 10 years of age do not meet the same energy-efficient standards as modern units. Warranty: Older units may no longer be covered under their warranty.
Unfortunately, yes, you should replace your air handler and condenser at the same time if one or the other fails. When you purchase a new HVAC system, the efficiency ratings are based on matched equipment.
Condenser and Air Handler Replacement
You'll pay between $1,050 and $5,000 to replace the condenser and air handler. It's common to replace these two components at the same time to ensure their output and efficiency ratings are compatible.
Usually, an air conditioner uses the furnace's blower motor, so no air handler is required. However, in environments where home heating is not required, an air conditioner may be the only HVAC equipment present. In this situation, the indoor air handler runs in conjunction with the outside unit, called the condenser.
If you combine a condensing unit with an air handler (or furnace) it wasn't designed to work with, in the best case the result will be reduced operating efficiency. In the worst case, the mismatched system may not work at all. Or, it may appear to run initially and then fail after a short time.