How Your AC Air Handler Works And The Repairs It Could Need
Your central air conditioner has two main parts. One is the condenser that controls the refrigerant that cools your home, and the other is the air handler that sends air through the ducts and out the registers. Here is an overview of how the air handler system works and repairs that might be needed to keep it operating efficiently.
Air Comes Through The Filter
Air is drawn in the air handler through the filter. This is why it's important to keep the filter clean. If it's clogged with dust, the AC has to struggle to get enough air through the system. That can cause parts to break down. If the dust is not managed, your AC will work harder, which can drive up your power bill.
The Blower Fan Moves The Air
An important part of the air handler is the blower fan. This part is controlled by a motor, and the motor is aided by a capacitor. A belt is also part of the system if the motor is belt-driven. The motor turns the fan, and the fan creates the air that blows across the evaporator coils that have refrigerant in them. The cool air then goes into your ducts where it circulates through your home.
If the fan doesn't spin, your AC won't work. The blower fan can malfunction if it's dirty or if the capacitor or belt is bad. A bad motor could also be to blame. When these parts go bad, an AC repair technician can replace them and get the fan moving again so air will circulate through your home.
The Evaporator Coils Cool The Air
The coils cool the air by pulling heat from it. This process creates condensation, which drips away and flows in a drain or out of your house. A common problem that develops in the coils is that when they get dirty, they can't cool your house as well.
Coils might also freeze over, and a common reason for this is a buildup of dust and grime. The repair technician can clean the coils off with cleaning foam and a brush so that your AC system can cool your house efficiently.
The Condensation Drain Eliminates Water
You shouldn't see water around the air handler, but if you do, it's probably because of a clogged condensation drain. The problem might also be a hole in the drip pan. Water that forms due to condensation in the air handler drips in a pan where it collects and then it flows out through the drain. If the drain clogs or the pan gets a leak, the AC repair technician can fix the problem by clearing out the clog and putting in a new pan.
Another problem that might develop with the condensation area of the air handler is when the float switch doesn't work. Some furnaces have a float switch in the drip pan that turns the furnace off if the water level gets too high due to a clog. If the switch is stuck, water might spill over the pan and get the floor wet, so the repair technician will replace the switch if it's bad.
For more information regarding AC repairs, contact an AC repair service.