You hardly give your heating system a thought until you notice it is not working correctly, then you start looking for reasons. You likely are having problems with air not circulating through your system correctly and heard about your air handler. What is this component, and how do you know if there is a problem you should have checked out in Clarksville?
What is An Air Handler?
This important component does exactly what it says it does, it handles the air through your system. What that really means is that it draws air into the system and forces it back out into your home through the ducts.
The largest part of this cooling and heating system component is the circulating fan. This also usually contains the heat exchanger and evaporating coils. When you talk about a furnace, whether it is for a repair or replacement, it usually includes the air handler. However, the furnace is technically just the component that generates the heat.
If your air handler is bad, then your entire system will fail to work, so it is important to keep them in good working order. Here are some of the common problems you may experience with your handler. (continue below)
Why Choose DOC Heating & Cooling?
Clogged Condensate Drain
If you notice a puddle of water under or near your system, then you likely have a problem with the condensate drain. Every unit will produce some moisture, or condensation, especially when you run the air conditioner. However, in a system working properly, it will drip down onto a drain pain and then out through a drain tube.
However, bits of debris from the handler can clog the drain. This indicates the system is wearing and losing little bits of metal. Excessive moisture may also indicate a problem with a faulty evaporator coil or heat exchanger.
Dirty Circulating Fan Wheel
One of the most common problems with the handler is a dirty circulating fan wheel. This is what is primarily responsible for moving air through your system.
The wheel becomes dirty as it moves air through the system, especially if you have poor air quality. When it becomes dirty it adds resistance to the blower motor, and in severe cases can make the wheel off-balance, putting additional wear on the motor. The best way to combat this is to check and change your air filters regularly.
If you use the basic fiberglass air filter, you should plan to change it every 30 days. If you use extended-life air filters, then you should change them at least every 90 days. However, check them every 30 days, and consider vacuuming off the intake side of the filter to reduce airflow restrictions.
Malfunctioning Blower Motor
If your system is not circulating air at all, you may have a blown motor. These motors will eventually wear out but should last between 10 and 20 years.
If you think yours is malfunctioning, observe your heating system as it cycles. As it goes through the cycle, you should hear the furnace ignite, warming the air. After the air has reached the right temperature, it should turn on the circulating fan. If the fan fails to engage, it may very well need replacing.
Oftentimes before a blower motor goes out completely, it will give some indications, usually with a scraping or screeching sound.
Keeping an Eye on It
You want to extend the life of your handler motor as long as possible, so maintaining it correctly is important. When you get season maintenance, your handler is of primary focus. A technician will clean the blower wheel and check the overall condition of the handler. They will also check to ensure the blower motor mounts are still tight and will lubricate the bearings.
You should have your system maintained twice a year, generally in the spring and in the fall. These seasons in Clarksville are generally when you will need your system the least, so you can sustain having a period without the system operating. This also ensures that your AC and furnace are in optimal condition for the season before you need them.
Call an Experienced Professional if Your System is Malfunctioning
Do you have an extremely old system? Are you seeing or hearing things that weren’t there before? If you suspect that the system is not working properly, you should call a professional as soon as possible.
A few signs that the system is in trouble include abnormal noises or smells, an extremely cold home, expensive bills, and frequent shutoffs. Regardless of the concern, an experienced professional can solve the problem and perform the necessary repairs before an emergency occurs.
Prevention and AC Tune-up costs are much more reasonable than having a costly repair later. Whether you live in Clarksville, TN or somewhere close by, the professionals at DOC Heating and Cooling are ready to help. The highly-trained technicians are available 24/7 for emergency calls and for regular maintenance to help keep your heating & cooling system running smoothly.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Whether you live in Clarksville, TN or somewhere close by we are ready to help. Our highly trained technicians are available 24/7 to keep your heating & cooling system running smoothly.
