Since 1993, Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has provided top-rated AC repair, replacement, and maintenance services to homeowners throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Because we’re a locally owned and operated company, we deliver more personalized customer service than you get with most national chains.
Our certified technicians work with most major brands, and we’re available for emergency repairs when you need them.
Santa Maria Air Handler Repair
Your HVAC system has an indoor and outdoor unit; the indoor unit is called the air handler, which regulates the temperature of the air before sending it out through the vents. Many people confuse air handlers with air conditioners, but these systems work together to provide you with the ideal temperature.
However, like any machine, your air handler can develop problems that impede its performance, causing you to lose comfort. So, here are the most common air handler problems you may encounter that warrant calling a professional HVAC tech for repairs.
Here are some common air handler problems.
Dirty Filters
It’s essential that you maintain clean air filters in your HVAC system. Dirty air filters impede airflow, reducing the system’s performance and causing increased wear and tear. Also, when a filter is dirty, dust, pet dander, and germs can spread throughout the house, causing breathing problems and allergic reactions.
Clogged Evaporator Coils
Another problem that stems from a dirty air filter is a clogged evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is essential for removing heat from the air to keep your home cool. When it’s blocked, they lose cooling capacity and can damage the system.
Sluggish Fans
Your HVAC fan blows the air through the ducts, so if it’s slow because of dirt buildup, it will take your home longer to cool and put excess stress on your system, leading to premature failure.
We recommend replacing your air filters every month and scheduling annual HVAC maintenance to keep everything in good working condition. Call the professionals at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule cleaning and maintenance services.
If you’re not satisfied with the air in your home, call us and ask about our indoor air quality services.
4 Signs You Need Air Handler Replacement
Even the most well-maintained HVAC system will need replacement eventually. And while experts recommend replacing the entire system at once because manufacturers design components to work together, sometimes all you need is to replace one at a time.
Here are the four most common signs that you need to replace your air handler.
Weak Airflow
The air handler draws air from the return vent through the duct system, so if the airflow coming out of the vents is weaker than usual, and you’ve ruled out a dirty air filter, it could mean the blower motor is failing.
System Freezing
If your air conditioner freezes during the summer, it usually means the cold air isn’t circulating effectively through the system. In minor cases, it could just be a dirty air filter. However, it could be a refrigerant leak or dirty coils in severe cases.
Loss of Efficiency
It’s common for your energy bills to fluctuate as the season changes, but you shouldn’t see a spike for no apparent reason. If your energy expenses are abnormally high, it could mean there’s a problem within your HVAC system that’s the cause. Sometimes, an AC tune up will bring your energy bills back in line, but replacing a failing component or the entire system may be the only answer.
Age
Lastly, the average HVAC system lasts about 15 years with proper maintenance. And while your system is designed to perform reliably under heavy usage, wear and tear and age eventually take their toll. Once your air conditioner reaches a certain point in its lifespan, it usually makes more economic sense to replace it than to continue repairing it.
If you’re experiencing HVAC problems, call the certified professionals at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for an inspection and system assessment.