AIR HANDLER SERVICES

Air Handler Experts Serving St. Louis, St. Peters & Beyond

An air handler, also known as a fan coil, is a vital component of your heating and cooling system. It circulates air over the coil, adjusting its temperature, and distributing it through the ductwork to every corner of your home. Typically installed alongside a heat pump, your air handler plays an important role in maintaining a comfortable home environment.

If you are having trouble with your air handler, you can rely on our HVAC professionals for top-notch servicing and installation expertise. Our licensed, bonded, and insured technicians can efficiently repair or replace faulty air handlers. At Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we care about your family’s comfort, which is why we prioritize same-day solutions whenever possible. You can count on our team to get the job done right!

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The Difference Between Air Conditioners and Air Handlers

Many homeowners assume that air handlers and air conditioners are the same. However, an air conditioner actively cools the air by removing heat, while an air handler distributes the cool air around your home. Your air handler works with your air conditioner, but it doesn’t perform the same function.

Some of the confusion tends to arise from the fact that air handlers often contain coils. Even so, an air handler can’t cool the air sufficiently to change the air temperature inside your home on its own.

The Difference Between Furnaces and Air Handlers

A furnace uses gas, oil, or electricity to create heat and utilizes a blower to move the warm air throughout your home. Therefore, you most likely do not need an air handler if you have already have a furnace installed.

Air handlers can distribute warm air throughout your home, but they’re generally used alongside heat pumps. Heat pumps are an efficient alternative to furnaces. They transfer heat from the outside air inside your house. Although some air handlers have heating elements, they regulate the air temperature instead of acting as an independent heat source.

Does My House Need an Air Handler?

If your home relies on a central air conditioning system or a forced-air heating system, you probably need an air handler to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. Larger homes with multiple zones may especially benefit from dedicated air handlers to achieve efficient air distribution. Additionally, if you have ductwork that is not in optimal condition or is poorly insulated, upgrading or adding an air handler can improve airflow and enhance comfort levels by reducing temperature fluctuations.

Missouri regularly deals with both hot and cold weather. Homes throughout the state can particularly benefit from an air handler, as it can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures despite external conditions. Additionally, if you are looking to improve indoor air quality, an air handler can help remove pollutants and effectively circulate air.

Still not sure if your home needs an air handler? We can help. Our technicians can answer your questions, evaluate your home’s needs, and provide a complimentary estimate on what installing the appropriate air handlers will cost.

Do You Need an Air Handler in Every Room?

In general, most homes do not require an air handler in every room, as a single central air handler can often adequately serve multiple spaces, especially when paired with effective ductwork. Whether you need additional air handlers will largely depend on your home’s layout, the type of HVAC system in use, and your specific comfort preferences.

Bigger homes or those with multiple levels may benefit from having additional air handlers installed in certain areas. A single air handler can cover a lot of ground, but it might struggle to effectively distribute air across multiple floors or massive open-plan areas, for example. Furthermore, if your home has significant size variations between rooms or zones with different heating and cooling needs – such as a sunroom that receives a lot of sunlight or a basement that tends to stay colder – an additional, dedicated air handler can help achieve more balanced temperatures throughout your living space.

Debating how many air handlers your home really needs? We’ve got you covered. Our St. Charles air handler experts can assess your home’s layout and make a personalized recommendation. 

How Do I Know If My Air Handler Is Bad?

Identifying whether your air handler is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Over time, your air handler could experience various issues that lead to compromised performance or complete failure. Recognizing signs of trouble early can help prevent further damage and more expensive repairs.

The warning signs of a faulty or failing air handler include:

  • Temperature inconsistencies. If certain rooms in your house are significantly warmer or colder than others, your air handler may be struggling to distribute air evenly.
  • Strange noises. Unusual grinding, squealing, or rattling noises can signify mechanical issues or loose components within your air handler.
  • Poor airflow. If you notice reduced airflow from your vents, you may be dealing with a blockage, a failing motor, or other issues affecting your air handler’s performance.
  • Frequent cycling. If your air handler turns on and off more frequently than normal, it may be struggling to circulate air, which can lead to accelerated wear and tear.

 

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OUR MAINTENANCE PLANS

One-Time Cleaning
Starting at $163.90 per Unit
Keep your system running smoothly with a single professional cleaning and full operational check for one furnace or AC unit, ensuring your system is ready for the season.

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Service Includes:

  • Cleaning of Furnace or AC Unit
  • Check All Connections
  • Check Pressures
  • Test Operations
  • Look For Issues to Correct
Budget Savings Club
Starting at $229 per Year
Protect your comfort year-round with annual cleanings, waived dispatch fees, priority scheduling, and valuable discounts on HVAC repairs and equipment.

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Service Includes:

  • Clean and Check AC Unit
  • Clean and Check Furnace
  • Waived Dispatch Fees
  • Priority Scheduling During Normal Hours
  • 15% Off HVAC Repairs
  • 5% Off HVAC Equipment Replacement
Whole Home Plan
Starting at $295.90 per Year

Enjoy complete peace of mind with annual HVAC cleanings, plumbing evaluations, waived fees, priority service, and discounts on both HVAC and plumbing repairs.

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Service Includes:

  • Clean and Check AC
  • Clean and Check Furnace
  • Waived Dispatch Fees
  • Priority Scheduling During Normal Hours
  • 15% Off HVAC and Plumbing Repairs
  • 5% Off HVAC Equipment
  • Home Plumbing Evaluation
  • Water Heater Flush
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