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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.
The fan or the blower in your air handler unit is responsible for blowing conditioned air through the ductwork throughout your home. You can identify trouble with the fan when it starts to make strange noises or when you can't feel air coming out of your ductwork.
We recommend servicing heating and cooling systems annually before each season. For your air handler, because it runs all year, it's a good idea to have it checked out once a year.
The $5,000 rule is an industry-accepted rule for determining whether to repair or replace an HVAC system. Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair it. If over $5,000, you should replace it.
How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.
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.
If you've noticed reduced airflow from your vents or rooms with inconsistent temperatures, it could be a sign that your air handler is in need of replacement. Restricted airflow is one of the most common indicators of a failing air handler, which can cause discomfort and decreased HVAC performance.
However, if you suspect a refrigerant leak, it may be time to replace your air handler as a safety and energy efficiency measure. While occasional fluctuations in energy bills are normal, if you experience unusual spikes in your accounts, it could be a sign of a faulty air handler or other HVAC problems.
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.
A damp cloth can be used to clean where the drain lines open. Take off the top and side panels, or protective grills, of the air conditioning unit. Clean the coils with a soft brush, a refrigerator coil brush, or a specialist fin comb to clean the aluminium fins in the AHU but be careful as they can easily bend.
Air handler replacement averages $2,300, with most homeowners paying between $1,500 and $3,400. Unit costs vary from $600 to $2,100 or more depending on size, type, brand, and other factors. Hiring an HVAC technician for installation represents about 50% of total project costs.
While inspecting the air handler, we check for any noise or vibration during its operation. We need to switch off the unit to open the access panel to check any dust or dirt inside the air handler. We also inspect its wiring for damage or loose connections. Recall that an air filter is a part of an air handler.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners replace their HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. Although heating and cooling systems are meant to endure heavy usage, their components will start to wear out after 10 years.
HVAC and home insurance
A homeowners policy may cover your HVAC in two ways: either through the dwelling coverage or the personal property coverage on your policy. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in unit since it's considered part of the home's structure.
According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.
Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded. When an insurer writes your homeowners coverage, the insurer is legally obligated to offer you earthquake coverage for an additional premium.