Does an air handler have a blower motor?

Author: Ciara Collins  |  Last update: Sunday, March 8, 2026

Like furnaces, air handlers use a blower motor and fan to move conditioned air throughout the ductwork of your home. Lennox offers air handlers with either a variable-speed or single speed blower motor: Variable-speed motors provide the highest level of comfort and energy efficiency.

Where is the blower in an air handler?

For most furnaces, your blower motor will be located in the base of the unit next to the air filter. For most ACs and heat pumps, it will be located inside the air handler (i.e., the indoor unit). It's also possible that certain units may share a blower motor in the air handler—typically with an AC and furnace.

What is included in air handler?

Components
  • Filters.
  • Hot (heat A.K.A furnace) and cold (air conditioning) elements.
  • Humidifier.
  • Mixing chamber.
  • Blower/fan.
  • Balancing.
  • Heat recovery device.
  • Controls.

Is there a fan in the air handler?

Just like a furnace, air handlers contain a blower (fan), controls, and an evaporator coil that conditions and recirculates the air in your home. The air handler works with the outdoor unit (a condenser or heat pump) in a typical split-system by using refrigerant lines that connect the two systems.

Do air handlers have blower motors?

Like furnaces, air handlers use a blower motor and fan to move conditioned air throughout the ductwork of your home. Lennox offers air handlers with either a variable-speed or single speed blower motor: Variable-speed motors provide the highest level of comfort and energy efficiency.

Blower runs constantly - two different calls - two different reasons.

Why is my air handler not blowing heat?

If your HVAC system isn't blowing warm air, start by checking the thermostat settings and batteries; more complex issues like faulty wiring or ignition system problems may necessitate professional assistance. Airflow restriction due to clogged air filters can result in your system blowing cold air.

How do I know if my air handler is bad?

If you've been experiencing unusual noises, inadequate cooling or heating, excessive dust and poor indoor air quality, escalating energy bills, frequent repairs, aging system, insufficient airflow, or uneven temperatures in your home, it may be time to consider replacing your air handler.

What is difference between AC and air handler?

Sometimes these two terms are even used interchangeably, but while both an air conditioner and air handler work together, they have very different functions. The main difference is that an air conditioner cools your air by extracting heat, while an air handler transfers this cool air throughout your house.

What maintenance does an air handler need?

Air handler preventative maintenance keeps your system working in peak condition longer. Common preventative maintenance tasks include making sure filters and coils are clean and dampers and ducts are efficient.

How long does an air handler blower motor last?

Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.

What is the difference between a blower coil and an air handler?

This is a common question that can be easily confused since both involve the movement and cooling of air. An air handling unit (AHU) operates by bringing in fresh air from the outside, while a fan coil unit (FCU) generally recirculates and conditions the air in an interior space.

How do I know if my blower motor is bad?

How do you know if your furnace blower motor is bad
  1. Unusual Noises. Screeching or Squealing. ...
  2. Weak Airflow. Insufficient Heating. ...
  3. Motor Overheating. Excessive Heat from the Furnace. ...
  4. Inconsistent Performance. Start-Stop Issues. ...
  5. High Energy Bills. ...
  6. Age and Wear.

How long does an air handler last?

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.

Why is my air handler not kicking on?

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.

Why is air handler blowing cold air?

Blocked, clogged, or dirty coils in the external unit can prevent it from effectively collecting warm air from outside. This may cause cold air to blow inside. The ideal solution is a professional cleaning, along with a thorough, professional inspection of the HVAC unit.

Does an air handler have a blower?

An air handler looks like a furnace in that it is usually a cased unit, like a furnace. Typically it is located inside your Boone home and contains a blower, evaporator coil, and many components of your ventilation system, such as sound attenuators, filter racks or chambers, and dampers.

What does an air handler look like?

Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.

Does each AC unit have its own air handler?

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.

Why is my air handler not blowing air?

If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios: either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.

Can an air handler be repaired?

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.

What happens when air handler goes bad?

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.

Does an air handler need a heat pump?

An air handler is as vital a component for a heat pump as it is for an air conditioner. Just like one for an AC, it's connected to your home's existing ductwork. It helps distribute conditioned air by blowing it into the ducts, allowing air to circulate throughout your home.

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