Signs Your AC Air Handler Needs Professional Attention

The air handler portion of your air conditioning system filters the cooled air and pushes it through the ducts and into your home’s rooms. A malfunction in the air handler means that the air conditioning system won’t be able to effectively cool and dehumidify your Morton Grove, IL home. Keep reading to learn about three signs that your air conditioner’s air handler needs professional attention.

Low Airflow

During a cooling cycle, you should feel a steady stream of cool air blowing through your home’s vents. If you barely feel a trickle of air, this is a sign of an air handler problem. A common cause of low airflow is a clogged air filter, explains the Department of Energy. Be sure to access the air filter and check it once per month. During the peak of the summer, you may need to clean or replace the filter every 30 days.

Blowing Warm Air

The air conditioner’s evaporator coil is located within the air handler. The cold refrigerant flows through the coil. Warm air from your home is blown over the coil, which cools the air and condenses moisture out of it. If the evaporator coil is dirty, the refrigerant won’t be able to cool the air. The air blowing out of your home’s vents will be warm. Your air conditioner will keep cycling because your home’s air temperature won’t reach the setting on the thermostat. Eventually, this may cause overheating of your air conditioning system.

Loud or Unusual Sounds

During a normal cooling cycle, you’ll hear the soft whir of the air handler’s motor. You could also hear the outdoor unit’s motor and fan. Loud or unusual sounds, such as buzzing or grinding, aren’t normal. If you start hearing unusual sounds from the air handling unit, it most likely needs professional attention.

For more information about air handler problems, take a look at Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning’s professional AC repairs, or get in touch with us today.