They can also contribute to reduced air quality by allowing mold and mildew to take root and grow. Finally, they can be a sign of a dying blower motor, and a dying blower motor can lead to excessive wear and tear on coils and other important components, leading to the need to replace your air handler completely.
In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keeping the fan on creates a more even distribution of heating and cooling, circulating the air if you have cold or hot spots in your house, like a bedroom above a garage. Less frequent starts and stops of the fan can reduce the stress from startup, and potentially help extend it's lifespan.
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.
The air handler is always the inside component. It holds the fan that moves air around, and the evaporator coil that works in conjunction with the outside condenser to do the actual cooling.
You may notice weak airflow and less cooling or the unit running for longer periods before cycling off. This means the HVAC unit is working more to cool the house which will increase wear and tear and also hike the energy bills.
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.
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.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
Without sufficient warm air, the coils will freeze over with water that has not had the chance to condense away. There are many causes of poor airflow. These include dirty air filters, which act as a muzzle to the unit, or closed air registers. A faulty fan can also restrict proper air flow.
When you power up your AC unit, listen for a slight humming noise from the compressor. If you hear this, your capacitor may be struggling to start your AC's fan motor. In conjunction with a delay in turning on, this hum almost guarantees that your capacitor is heading for failure.
How Much Does an AC Fan Motor Cost? The average cost of a new condenser fan motor ranges between $300 and $700, depending on the model, your AC unit, and labor costs. While this isn't cheap, replacing your fan motors before they break can save you thousands of dollars in HVAC repair services.
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.