St. Charles 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!
If you need air handler services in St. Charles, request a free estimate by calling (636) 689-6093 or contacting us online.
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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.
Hear from our smiling customers
4.8 Google Rating from 5,500+ Homeowners
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"My service technician was able to fix some wires reconnect my Central Air starting from the furnace to the outside."- Janel S.
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"If we have any further issues I won't hesitate to call them again!"- Michael M.
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"Had multiple issues with Plumbing. Brandon from budget was right on time very efficient, professional and got the job done!"- Trina C.
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"Matt arrived earlier than the expected time introduced himself and was quite pleasant."- Cassaundra P.
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"He explained everything in detail. He even found an unexpected leak originating from the master bedroom shower. Very happy with the service and price of Budget Plumbing."- Vien B.
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"Matt with budget heating and cooling came out to our home and found the problem, in less than 20 minutes, it seems like! He was extremely professional, and extremely knowledgeable of what was normal and what was not normal."- Virginia W.
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"My new AC, coil and UV dehumidifier made an immediate & tangible improvement to air quality. Can’t believe the difference!!! Highly recommend"- Bridget T.
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"Very kind professionals, worked very fast taking care of all details, explaining me technical parts I was not aware of, besides leaving my house completely cleaned."- Marco T.
How Long Do Air Handlers Last in Missouri?
On average, an air handler can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, but installation quality, maintenance practices, and the frequency of use can all influence this range. Regular inspections and routine maintenance, which can involve changing filters and cleaning components, can significantly extend the life of an air handler.
In Missouri, where temperatures can fluctuate between hot summers and chilly winters, the wear and tear on an air handler may be more pronounced due to the increased workload required to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. This underlines the importance of regular servicing to get the most out of your air handler before it needs to be replaced.
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.
- Increased energy bills. A sudden spike in your energy costs may indicate that your air handler is working harder than usual to do its job, possibly because of declining efficiency.
- 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.
- Humidity issues. If your air handler is not functioning properly, it may not adequately control humidity levels, leading to an overly damp or dry environment.
- Unpleasant odors. Strange or musty smells when your air handler is running can indicate dust build-up, mold growth, or burning components inside your air handler.
When you need dependable air handler services in St. Charles, turn to Budget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Contact us online or call (636) 689-6093 today!