Clear Duct System and Good Airflow | Common Air Handler Problems
Since the AHU is the central unit that moves the air throughout the ductwork it is important to make sure nothing obstructs the airflow through the air handler such as dirty or clogged air filters. A regular air filter maintenance schedule will help you maintain good air flow through the duct system. It also helps keep the air handler components inside clean and free of debris and dust. If you maintain good filter maintenance you will not have to worry about a dirty evaporator coil or any other components clogging with dust or debris. Furthermore, this includes closing off supply vents.
Blower Motor Failure | Common Air Handler Problems
The next most common problem that can occur with an air handler is a failure of a blower motor whether it be the blower motor or something else that causes the blower motor to fail. It could be a bad relay, control board, run capacitor or the blower motor itself. It could also be the blower wheel. These are AHU (Air Handling Unit) problems that need the attention of a professional HVAC technician. An HVAC technician can identify the problem quickly and make the repair. It may require ordering parts or the part may be available on the service truck but the problem will be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Proper Filter Maintenance | Common Air Handler Problems
Most of the issues described can be avoided with proper filter maintenance. Even the blower motor failure can be enhanced by bad airflow resulting from no regular filter maintenance. It makes the motor work harder creating more heat and pulling more amperage which costs you more electricity costs. The dirt from dust that builds up also hurts the motor and creates more heat which can have detrimental effects on the motor. Consequently, the lesson is to keep a good clean filter in the system and you will reduce any problems that may occur with your air handler.
Air Handling Units | HVAC Airflow
Again, it is recommended that an HVAC professional do this work. Make sure you read the High Performance HVAC disclaimer before proceeding. A professional will have all the proper HVAC tools to complete the HVAC repair or maintenance job quickly and efficiently. It does not matter what type of equipment you have. You can have a Trane, Goodman, York, Rheem, or Carrier HVAC system and it all needs to be maintained. If you decide to do it yourself make sure you follow the safety procedures as noted on the Air Handler Page about cutting power to the air handling unit before attempting to clean the evaporator coils.
Basic Check | Common Air Handler Problems
See condensate drain section below for more information on this subject. Soak the air handling unit evaporator coil with a soap and water solution. Professionals use an industrial strength coil cleaner which may be available at some hardware stores. Let this solution soak for a few minutes. Then take a rag and wipe as much dust off the surface of the evaporator coils as possible. Repeat these steps until the evaporator coils look clean. Take a flashlight and look between the fins on the evaporator coils. The evaporator fin on the coil should appear to be clean. If not, soak the evaporator coils again and use a brush with light bristles to brush the evaporator coils.
Checking the Air Handler Blower Motor | Common Air Handler Problems
The air handler blower is comprised of different components in most units. It has an electric motor, a squirrel cage blower wheel, and a cage typically referred to as a squirrel cage. Some air handling units have belt driven motors and most have capacitors for the air handler electric motor and typically the only required HVAC maintenance on the blower is oiling the air handler blower motor if it has oil ports or checking the belt if you have a belt driven motor. Not all blower motors have oil ports. These blower motors use sealed bearings and never require oil. The air handler blower motors that do have oil ports usually have little plastic dust caps that can be removed so that oil can be applied.