Have you ever heard of an air handler and wondered what it was or how it worked? You probably were curious whether your Marrero, Louisiana, home’s HVAC system has one as well. Keep reading to learn what air handlers are and how they operate.
How Does an Air Handler Work?
Most of the time, an air handler is installed in the attic, closet, or basement of a home. An air handler usually resembles the shape of a furnace. Just as its name implies, an air handler takes on the job of "handling" the air inside of your home. It works by efficiently circulating conditioned air throughout your home’s ductwork. This air will either be warm or cool depending on the season.
It is extremely important for this type of equipment to be appropriately matched with a home’s heat pump system. Mismatched systems can account for a 30 percent loss in energy efficiency.
What Are the Different Parts?
It is very important to keep the air handler in a good working condition. Its condition directly impacts your home’s heating and cooling efficiency. The lower the efficiency, the higher your heating and cooling expenses will be. The best way to keep an air handler well-maintained is to have it serviced regularly by a professional HVAC contractor.
This equipment comprises several parts, including:
- Coil
- Blower motor
- Air supply
- Return plenum connections
- Filter
- Optional electric heat strips
Does the Ductwork Impact its Performance?
Yes, your home’s ductwork directly impacts the efficiency of the air handler. Cleaning the ductwork once every three to five years is highly recommended. An HVAC contractor can perform ductwork cleaning during regular maintenance sessions. In addition to cleaning, the contractor can look for air leaks in the ductwork and make necessary repairs. This will further improve the efficiency of the equipment and the system.
Bryan’s United Air Conditioning specializes in a variety of heating and cooling installation and maintenance services. Give us a call today at 504-208-2071 to learn more about air handlers.
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