Air Handler Service

Rays Heating and Cooling offers specialized air handler services in Santa Clarita, CA, recognizing this component as the heart of your HVAC system. We provide a full range of services, including repair, maintenance, and replacement. Our expert technicians can diagnose issues such as a malfunctioning blower motor, a noisy fan, or a sudden drop in airflow, and have the tools to make repairs quickly.

We also perform comprehensive maintenance to ensure the air handler's components, like the fan and coils, are clean and running efficiently. This preventative care helps to extend the lifespan of the unit and prevent future breakdowns. When a new system is needed, Rays assists with selecting and installing a new, energy-efficient air handler that is correctly sized to work with the existing AC or heat pump.

Call 818.697.4609 to schedule your appointment in Santa Clarita, CA and surrounding areas.

What Is an Air Handler?

Air Handlers vs Traditional Air Conditioners

Signs of an Air Handler in Trouble

An air handler is a key indoor component of an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, typically found in split systems that use a heat pump or an air conditioner. It is essentially a large metal box that contains a blower fan, an air filter, and the evaporator coil (and sometimes an electric heating element).

Its main job is to circulate conditioned air—either heated or cooled—throughout a building's ductwork. Unlike a furnace, an air handler doesn't generate heat on its own (though some have auxiliary electric heating strips). Instead, it works in tandem with the outdoor unit (the AC or heat pump) to pull in air from the home, pass it over the coils to condition it, and then push the treated air back out into the rooms. This continuous circulation is what maintains a consistent temperature and improves indoor air quality by filtering out dust and other airborne particles.

This is a common point of confusion, but the key difference is function and location. An air conditioner and an air handler are not the same thing, but they are often two halves of a central cooling system.

Air Handler: An air handler is the indoor unit of a split-system HVAC setup. Its primary purpose is to circulate air. It contains a large fan or blower motor, an air filter, and the evaporator coil. It doesn't generate "cold" air on its own; instead, it draws warm air from your home, passes it over the cold evaporator coil, and then uses the fan to push that now-cooled air back into the rooms through the ductwork. Air handlers are used with both air conditioners and heat pumps.

Traditional Air Conditioner (AC): A traditional air conditioner refers to the entire cooling system. This is a "split system," meaning it has an indoor part (the air handler) and an outdoor part (the condenser unit). The outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser coil, and its job is to release the heat that the indoor air handler's coil has absorbed. So, while people often say "air conditioner" to refer to the big outdoor box, the term technically encompasses both the indoor air handler and the outdoor condenser working together to cool a home.

In short, think of it this way: the air handler is a component, and the air conditioner is a complete system that relies on both an air handler (or a furnace's blower) and an outdoor condenser unit to function. A home with a heat pump also uses an air handler, but the heat pump's outdoor unit can both absorb and release heat, allowing it to provide both cooling and heating.

Your air handler, a key component of your HVAC system, will often show signs of trouble before a complete failure. Catching these signs early can save you from a complete system breakdown and costly repairs.

Weak or No Airflow: This is one of the most common signs. If you notice that air coming from your vents is weak, or if some rooms are not getting any airflow at all, it could mean the blower motor is failing, the fan is broken, or the air filter is severely clogged.

Strange Noises: A healthy air handler should operate quietly. If you hear new or unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, rattling, or banging, it’s a red flag. These noises often indicate a problem with the blower motor, loose components, or a broken fan blade.

High Energy Bills: An air handler that is struggling to move air will cause your entire HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased workload will be reflected in a sudden and unexplained spike in your electricity bills.

Water Leaks: The air handler's evaporator coil produces condensation. If the drain pan or the condensate line becomes clogged with dirt and debris, water can back up and leak, potentially causing water damage and encouraging mold growth around the unit.

Frozen Evaporator Coil: If you notice ice on your indoor unit, it's a sure sign of a problem. This often happens due to a lack of airflow, which can be caused by a dirty filter or a failing blower motor. When the coil freezes, it can't absorb heat, and the system won't cool your home effectively.

Air handler services include all the maintenance, repair, and replacement work needed to keep the indoor unit of your HVAC system running smoothly. Because the air handler contains the blower motor and evaporator coil—the parts responsible for circulating air and providing cooling—it’s crucial for both your comfort and your system's efficiency.

The cost of a replacement can vary widely based on the size, type (single-speed, multi-speed, or variable-speed), and labor costs. A professional installation ensures the new unit is compatible with your existing HVAC system and meets all local building codes.

Air Handler Repair
Air handler repair is a service focused on diagnosing and fixing issues with the indoor unit of a central heating and cooling system. The air handler's job is to circulate conditioned air throughout the home, and when it malfunctions, it can lead to a variety of problems, including weak airflow, strange noises, or a complete loss of cooling or heating. Common repairs include replacing a faulty blower motor, fixing a broken fan belt, or addressing issues with a noisy fan or a clogged condensate drain line that can cause water leaks. Because an air handler is a central component of an HVAC system, professional repair is essential to ensure the entire system operates efficiently and reliably.
Air Handler Replacement
Air handler maintenance is a crucial part of keeping a central HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. This preventative service focuses on the indoor unit that houses the blower fan and evaporator coil, which are responsible for circulating and cooling the air. Regular maintenance helps to prevent costly breakdowns, improve indoor air quality, and extend the lifespan of the entire system.
Air Handler Maintenance
Air handler maintenance is a crucial part of keeping a central HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. This preventative service focuses on the indoor unit that houses the blower fan and evaporator coil, which are responsible for circulating and cooling the air. Regular maintenance helps to prevent costly breakdowns, improve indoor air quality, and extend the lifespan of the entire system.