Air Handler Repair & Installation

Air handler is an important component to any HVAC system. Air handlers usually connect to ductwork that distributes the conditioned air through the home, and returns it to the air handler. Sometimes air handlers discharge and admit air directly to and from the space served, without necessary ductwork.

To assure that your residence or building is evenly heated or cooled E & A Mechanical offers expert air handler services to all of our customers throughout Greater Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Ventura County and the surrounding communities.

Air handlers typically are comprised of:

• Blower/fan – usually located in a large squirrel cage blower driven by an electric motor to move the air. The blower may operate at a single speed, offer a variety of pre-set speeds, or be driven by a variable drive so as to allow a wide range of air flow rates.
• Heating and/or cooling elements – depending on the location and the application, air handlers may need to provide heating, or cooling, or both to change the supply air temperature.
• Filters – air filters are almost always present and needed in order to provide clean dust-free air to the home interior.
• Humidifier – is often necessary in colder climates where continuous heating will make the air drier, resulting in uncomfortable air quality and increased static electricity.
• Mixing chamber – to maintain indoor air quality, some air handlers commonly allow the use of outside air into, and the exhausting of air from the home. A mixing chamber is used with dampers to control the ratio between the return, outside, and exhaust air.
• Controls – are necessary to regulate every aspect of an air handler, such as: flow rate of air, supply air temperature, mixed air temperature, humidity, air quality. Common control components include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, sail switches, actuators, motors and controllers.
• Vibration isolators – since blowers in an air handler can create substantial vibration, are normally inserted into the duct immediately before and after the air handler and often also between the fan compartment and the rest of the air handler.

An air handler is usually located in the garage, a closet, or in the attic unless it is part of a package unit, then the air handler is incorporated in the system. The air handler can be an up flow air handler, down flow air handler, or horizontal flow air handling unit.

When to Replace Your Air Handler

Air handlers typically last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is approaching that age and requiring frequent repairs, replacement is often more cost-effective than continued service. Newer air handlers feature variable-speed blower motors that adjust fan speed to match your cooling or heating demand, reducing energy consumption by 20 to 40 percent compared to single-speed models. They also operate more quietly and provide more consistent temperatures from room to room.

When we replace an air handler, we inspect the connecting ductwork for leaks and damage. In many Los Angeles area homes, particularly those built before 1990, aging ductwork can lose 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air through gaps and deteriorated insulation. Addressing duct issues at the same time as an air handler replacement ensures the new equipment delivers its full efficiency potential.