What Is an Air Handler: Everything You Need to Know
Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair
June 16, 2022
If you're asking, "What is an air handler?" you'll be happy to know we have the answer.
Although air handlers work simultaneously alongside heat pumps and air conditioners for a more efficient HVAC system, they all have different functions. We'll explore precisely what an air handler is and how an expert HVAC company in Grafton can help you decide if an air handler is correct for you.
What Does an Air Handler Look Like and Do?
An air handler largely resembles a furnace and is even a cased unit, just like a furnace. Most homeowners' air handler is an indoor unit consisting of evaporator coils, a blower, and ventilation parts, including an air filter.
Your air handler is a crucial component of your HVAC system that works alongside your heat pump or air conditioner. Most air handlers are linked to already established ductwork, which transfers conditioned air throughout your home, giving it back to your air handler.
Your air handler then takes this cool air (due to your evaporator coils removing its heat) and transfers it throughout the ducts in your home. This process is the primary function of your air handler and is an excellent asset to your HVAC cooling and heating system.
Different Types of Air Handlers
There are also many different sizes of air handlers fit for other properties. For example, your typically small unit often only has a blower, evaporator coils, and an air filter. These air handlers are sometimes called fan coil units, terminal units, or blower coils.
There are also larger air handlers called makeup air units (MAU). This air handler only conditions outside air instead of recirculating inside air.
An air handler only designed for outdoor use is called a rooftop unit. This outdoor unit is typically located on the roof, as the name suggests. This outdoor unit is mainly for commercial use.
The Difference Between Air handlers and Air Conditioners
When asking, "What is an air handler?" many people question the difference between an air conditioner and an air handler. Sometimes these two terms are even used interchangeably, but while both an air conditioner and air handler work together, they have very different functions.
The main difference is that an air conditioner cools your air by extracting heat, while an air handler transfers this cool air throughout your house. This confusion is that both units have coils, but an air handler can't function properly without an air conditioner.
The Difference Between Air handlers and Furnaces
A furnace gets powered by oil, gas, or electricity to produce heat, and its blower distributes hot air throughout a residence. Creating and distributing hot air means that you generally won't need an air handler when you have a furnace.
Instead of being used alongside furnaces, air handlers often accompany heat pumps. Heat pumps are an alternative to furnaces and are more efficient. They transport heat from outside into your home while your air handler distributes this heat.
Although some air handlers do have their heating system, they best work as a way to regulate your indoor air versus being a source of heat.
Reasons to Have an Air Handler
If you have a traditional gas, or electricity, you probably won't need an air handler.
However, if you have or are considering an alternative such as an electric heat pump, investing in an air handler is a smart move. Some heat pump and air conditioner systems already come with an air handler.
Besides what type of HVAC system you have, another factor determining whether you need an air handler is where you live. Colder climate homes typically use a furnace, meaning an air handler isn't necessary.
Warmer climates that don't experience a lot of cold temperatures often don't use furnaces. Instead, they opt for heat pumps due to their efficiency. Southern regions use heat pumps more often than northern regions, for example.
If you're using a heat pump, you'll want to pair it with an air handler as it can reduce wear and tear and extend your HVAC system's longevity.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Air Handler
Knowing the answer to "What is an air handler?" also requires knowing how to troubleshoot issues. While air handlers are durable, nothing lasts forever. Signs you might need to replace your air handler are:
- Weak airflow: If the air coming out of your vents is weak or its strength changes throughout the day, then this may mean your blower motor is malfunctioning. Failure to repair or replace your blower motor can cause more strain to your air handler, eventually rendering it non-operational. Dirt can also impact your motor's ability to function, and it may just need a quick cleaning.
- Frozen air conditioner during summer: If ice is forming on your air handler during summer, there can be several reasons. Sometimes the cause is as simple as having a dirty or clogged air filter. Your evaporator coils may even need a quick cleaning. However, if you have a refrigerant leak, this might mean it's time to replace your air handler.
- Skyrocketing energy bills: While you're bound to see some hikes in your energy bills during seasons like winter or summer, if your accounts are unusually high, this can indicate an issue with your HVAC system. A faulty air handler, and various other potential problems, can cause huge spikes.
- An outdated HVAC system: The U.S. Department of Energy advises homeowners to replace their HVAC system every 10 or 15 years. After ten years, HVAC components can start cracking and breaking down, including your air handler. You should also have HVAC technicians regularly check your system for signs of damage.
Call Professional Services Today
An air handler is an integral part of your HVAC system, which works alongside your air conditioner and heat pump. Its primary function is to circulate cool or warm air throughout your home, and it can be a significant investment that'll make your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Let our team answer, "What is an air handler?" and help you learn more about air conditioning maintenance when you give us a call today at 262-218-2636!
You might also like
When choosing the right boiler for a Cedar Grove, WI home, the first step is assessing heating needs and space size. In our service calls throughout Cedar Grove and the surrounding rural stretches of Sheboygan County, we regularly help homeowners evaluate different types of systems, like conventional and combi boilers, based on their home's specific requirements, and a professional boiler installation consultation is the best way to sort through the options. Energy efficiency ratings matter too, since the right choice can make a real difference on monthly bills. Proper maintenance also plays a big role in keeping a boiler running smoothly for years to come. Let's explore these key aspects to make an informed decision. Key Factors for Choosing the Right Boiler When thinking through the key factors for choosing the right boiler, it's vital to evaluate a home's heating needs alongside its energy efficiency. The size of the space matters first. A boiler that's too small won't heat effectively, while an oversized unit wastes energy and drives up costs unnecessarily. Fuel type is another consideration, since gas, oil, and electric options each come with their own benefits and cost structures depending on what's already available in a Cedar Grove home. Budget matters too, not just for the initial purchase but for long-term operating expenses down the road. The boiler's efficiency rating deserves close attention as well, since higher ratings generally mean lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. Maintenance needs round out the picture. A reliable boiler should fit a household's lifestyle and offer reasonably easy upkeep. Working in homes across Cedar Grove, our team has seen how much smoother this decision goes with guidance from an experienced technician who knows the local housing stock. Understanding Different Boiler Types Understanding the different types of boilers is essential for making an informed choice. There are two primary categories: conventional and combi boilers. Conventional boilers, often called regular boilers, heat water in a storage tank and work well for larger homes where hot water demand runs high. They require more space but provide a consistent, reliable supply of hot water. Combi boilers, on the other hand, heat water on demand, making them space-efficient and well-suited to smaller homes. They skip the separate tank altogether, which can save on both installation costs and ongoing energy use. System boilers are worth considering too, since they combine features of both types. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and understanding these differences helps homeowners identify what best suits their needs. Experienced HVAC contractors familiar with boiler installation can offer valuable insight into which type makes the most sense for a given home. As homeowners explore their options, it helps to keep in mind how each type aligns with the home's layout and daily routines. Determine the Right Boiler Size for Your Home How do you determine the right boiler size for a home? The process starts with assessing heating needs based on the square footage of the living space. A rough calculation of 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot is a common starting point, depending on climate and insulation quality. The number of rooms requiring heat and the ceiling height also factor in, since these impact overall heat loss. Home layout matters too. Open floor plans may need less heating capacity than segmented spaces with a lot of separate rooms. Older windows or poor insulation, both common in some of Cedar Grove's older farmhouses and rural properties, can mean a larger boiler is needed to compensate for heat loss. Hot water demand, like showers and laundry usage, rounds out the picture. Once this information is gathered, consulting with a professional through boiler maintenance and sizing guidance helps guarantee the right fit without wasting energy or overspending on unnecessary capacity. How Energy Efficiency Ratings Impact Your Boiler Choice Choosing a boiler that meets a home's needs isn't just about size. Energy efficiency ratings play an essential role in the decision too. These ratings affect monthly energy bills, environmental footprint, and overall comfort at home. A few key factors are worth weighing when evaluating efficiency: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): This percentage indicates how much fuel gets converted into usable heat. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the boiler. Energy Star Certification: Boilers with this label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, offering an added layer of confidence in the choice. Lifecycle Cost: While an energy-efficient boiler may carry a higher upfront cost, it often saves money over time through reduced energy bills and fewer repairs. Maintaining optimal humidity levels throughout a Cedar Grove home can further support overall energy efficiency alongside the right boiler choice. Maintenance Tips for Longevity and Performance Keeping a boiler running efficiently and extending its lifespan comes down to regular maintenance. Scheduling annual inspections with a certified technician is a strong first step, since it catches potential issues early before they turn into bigger repairs. Based on what we see in Cedar Grove properties, this single habit prevents more emergency calls than almost anything else. Checking the pressure gauge monthly and keeping it within the recommended range matters too, along with bleeding radiators periodically to remove trapped air and improve heat distribution throughout the home. Keeping the area around the boiler clear of debris supports proper airflow and reduces fire hazards, and the flue pipe should be checked periodically for blockages and confirmed to be securely attached. A full boiler service visit covers all of this and more, and maintaining a consistent heating schedule while avoiding drastic temperature swings helps reduce strain on the system overall. Finding the Boiler That Fits Your Home for the Long Haul Choosing the right boiler for a Cedar Grove home means balancing comfort with efficiency, without sacrificing one for the other. While a high-efficiency model may come with a bigger investment upfront, it often pays off in long-term savings and reliable warmth through even the coldest Wisconsin winters. By weighing both immediate needs and future benefits, homeowners can find a boiler that truly fits their household for years to come. When you're ready to take the next step, our team at Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair is here to help guide the decision, so feel free to schedule your service today .
Aluminum wiring in Thiensville, WI homes poses serious fire risks due to its inefficiency and tendency to overheat. In our service calls throughout Thiensville, from homes near the Milwaukee River to properties along the village's older residential streets, we often find aluminum wiring that can lead to poor connections and oxidation, increasing the chances of electrical arcing. Homeowners should be on the lookout for signs like flickering lights or frequent circuit breaker trips, and a professional electrical inspection is the safest way to confirm what's really going on behind the walls. Replacing aluminum wiring with copper through professional service can greatly enhance safety and efficiency. Let's explore how this process can help safeguard your home. Why Aluminum Wiring Poses Fire Risks in Your Home When considering the safety of a home, one vital factor often overlooked is aluminum wiring. While it was commonly used in the past, homeowners need to recognize that aluminum can present serious fire risks. Unlike copper, aluminum wiring doesn't conduct electricity as efficiently, which can lead to overheating at connections. This overheating can cause wire insulation to break down, increasing the chance of electrical arcing and, ultimately, fires. Aluminum is also prone to oxidation, which can create resistance at connections, further compounding the risk. These issues can go unnoticed until it's too late, which is why being proactive matters so much. If aluminum wiring is suspected anywhere in the home, it's wise to consult a licensed professional rather than waiting for a visible problem to appear. Addressing this issue promptly helps guarantee the safety and comfort of a living space, avoiding potential hazards down the line. Homes with outdated wiring are notably more likely to experience an electrical fire, which underscores just how urgent this matter can be. Working in homes across Thiensville, our team treats aluminum wiring concerns as a priority every time they come up. Signs You Might Have Aluminum Wiring Recognizing the signs of aluminum wiring is essential for guaranteeing a home's safety. One red flag is the age of the wiring. Homes built between the 1960s and 1970s, which describes a good number of properties throughout Thiensville, are more likely to have aluminum wiring somewhere in the system. Another indicator is the presence of aluminum-rated outlets and switches, often marked with a label stating "Aluminum." Flickering lights or frequent circuit breaker trips can also signal issues related to aluminum wiring. Unusual heat at outlets or switches is worth paying attention to as well, since it can indicate poor connections. Corrosion on any exposed wires is a strong sign that aluminum wiring is present. Based on what we see in Thiensville properties, a thorough inspection covering the entire electrical system is the most reliable way to catch these hazards early, rather than waiting for a single warning sign to escalate. How Professional Services Can Safely Rewire Your Home If aluminum wiring is suspected in a home, rewiring is essential for both safety and peace of mind. At Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair, our team recognizes the unique challenges aluminum wiring presents. Our certified electricians are trained to handle these specific issues, ensuring a safe and efficient rewire from start to finish. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the current wiring system, identifying any problem areas throughout the home. Once there's a clear picture, our team develops a tailored plan to replace the aluminum wiring with safer, more reliable copper alternatives. Throughout the process, we prioritize transparent communication and keep homeowners informed at every step. Our team works efficiently to minimize disruption to daily life, and our comprehensive electrical services make sure every aspect of the system is brought up to code. With our ongoing maintenance plans, we can also help protect the new wiring for the long term. Choosing Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair means investing in a secure, worry-free home. What to Do If You Suspect Aluminum Wiring Aluminum wiring can pose serious safety risks, so it's important to act quickly if it's suspected in a home. The first step is recognizing the signs, like frequent circuit breaker trips or flickering lights. If these issues show up, it's best to avoid using the affected circuits and to steer clear of any DIY fixes. Instead, contacting a licensed electrician is the safest path forward for a proper assessment. Visible connections or splices that appear corroded or loose are significant red flags worth noting as well. Documenting these concerns ahead of time can help an electrician provide a more thorough evaluation during the visit. Understanding the potential hazards of aluminum wiring helps homeowners make more informed decisions about their safety. Scheduling a carbon monoxide and smoke detector check alongside an electrical inspection is also a smart way to round out a home's overall safety picture, since faulty wiring and detection gaps often go hand in hand. Taking these steps seriously helps protect homes and the people living in them. Benefits of Choosing Professional Services for Aluminum Wiring Rewiring When it comes to rewiring aluminum wiring, choosing Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair means making a smart, safe choice for your home. Our team of certified professionals understands the unique challenges aluminum wiring presents, ensuring the rewiring is done correctly and safely. This expertise not only helps prevent potential fire hazards but also enhances a home's overall electrical efficiency, something especially valuable heading into a Wisconsin winter when electrical systems work harder to support heating and lighting demands. With 24/7 emergency service, homeowners can rest easy knowing help is just a call away. Our thorough maintenance plans protect that investment over time while keeping costs predictable, and we prioritize transparent communication so homeowners are always in the loop about the process and the costs involved. Protecting Your Thiensville Home From Wiring Hazards Aluminum wiring is one of those hidden risks that can sit quietly in a home for years before becoming a real problem, and that's exactly why it deserves attention sooner rather than later. Skipping the risk and choosing safety instead means trading unreliable aluminum for wiring built to last. By rewiring with a trusted local team, Thiensville homeowners can make sure their home stays a safe, comfortable place for years to come. If you're ready to take that step, our team at Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair is here to help, so don't hesitate to contact our team today .
If a boiler starts leaking water in Port Washington, WI, it's not something to wait on. In our service calls throughout Port Washington, from homes near the harbor to properties further out toward the county line, common causes include faulty pressure relief valves, corrosion, or loose connections. The safest first step is to shut off the boiler and the water supply, then have a professional conduct a proper boiler repair visit rather than attempting fixes on the system yourself. If the issue persists or strange noises show up, it's time to bring in professional help. Let's explore more on identifying these leaks and what to expect from a proper fix. Common Signs of a Boiler Leak You Shouldn't Ignore When it comes to boiler leaks, certain warning signs shouldn't be overlooked. Water pooling around the boiler is one of the clearest red flags a homeowner can spot. Unusual noises, like hissing or gurgling, can also signal trouble developing inside the system. Rust or corrosion appearing on the boiler's surface is another sign worth taking seriously rather than dismissing. Fluctuating heating temperatures can point to a leak too, as the system struggles to maintain efficiency while losing water. A sudden increase in the water bill is often an overlooked clue that points to a hidden leak somewhere in the system. Working in homes across Port Washington, our team has found that regular boiler maintenance programs catch most of these issues well before they escalate into something bigger. What Causes a Boiler to Leak Water? Boilers can leak water for several reasons, and understanding these causes helps prevent more serious issues down the line. One common culprit is a faulty pressure relief valve, which can fail and lead to leaks over time. Corrosion in the boiler tank or pipes is another frequent issue, often tied to age or mineral buildup that's common in older Port Washington homes. Loose fittings or connections can also loosen gradually, allowing water to escape. Sediment buildup is worth watching for too, since it can create blockages that increase pressure and eventually cause leaks. A malfunctioning pump can lead to water accumulation as well. Based on what we see in Port Washington properties, identifying these problems early through a professional boiler maintenance visit makes a real difference in avoiding costlier repairs down the road. If any signs of leaking show up, the best move is consulting a professional to diagnose and address the issue promptly rather than letting it linger. Diagnosing Your Boiler Leak: What to Look For Noticing a leak in a boiler can be concerning, especially once potential causes like faulty valves or corrosion come into play. A proper diagnosis starts with checking the area around the boiler for visible signs of water, which helps pinpoint the source. The pressure gauge gets checked next, since an unusually high reading can point to an underlying problem. Pipes get examined for damp spots or rust, both of which can signal a developing leak, and fittings and connections are inspected closely, since loose or damaged components are a frequent cause of water escape. The drain valve is checked to confirm it's closed properly, and any unusual noises, like hissing or gurgling, are worth investigating further as part of a complete evaluation. This kind of thorough diagnostic work is exactly why a professional visit makes more sense than guesswork, and our team makes sure the process is handled at a fair, transparent price for every Port Washington homeowner we work with. What Happens During Professional Boiler Leak Repair Once a leak is discovered, taking swift action matters, and that action is best handled by a trained technician rather than through home repairs. The boiler and water supply get shut off first to prevent further damage. From there, a technician checks the pressure gauge and releases pressure through the proper valve if needed to bring the system back to a safe level. Visible pipes and connections get a close inspection for wear or loose fittings, since tightening these components correctly is a job that calls for the right tools and training. If corrosion is present, it gets addressed properly rather than papered over with a temporary patch, and any sealant or repair work follows manufacturer specifications to make sure the fix holds. The boiler then gets monitored to verify the leak has been fully resolved, giving homeowners confidence that the system is back to safe, reliable operation rather than facing a repeat issue down the line. When to Hire an Expert for Boiler Leak Repairs When is it time to call in a professional for boiler leak repairs? Persistent leaks or a noticeable drop in water pressure are both signs that shouldn't be ignored. Visible corrosion or rust is another reason to bring in an expert without delay. A decline in the boiler's overall performance, like strange noises or irregular heating, is worth a professional look too. If there's any uncertainty about the cause, it's always safer to let a certified technician handle the diagnosis and repair. Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair offers 24/7 emergency assistance for exactly these situations, giving Port Washington homeowners peace of mind day or night. With the right expertise, the issue gets diagnosed accurately and resolved with a lasting solution. Keeping Your Boiler Running Reliably All Winter Fixing a leaking boiler is a bit like patching a hole in a boat. Ignore it, and the situation only gets worse. By addressing the issue promptly and understanding its causes, Port Washington homeowners can keep their homes warm and comfortable even through the harshest Wisconsin winters. If a leak persists despite basic checks, don't hesitate to call in the experts. Our team at Professional Services Heating, AC & Electric Repair is ready to help, so feel free to contact our team today .
