An air handler, also known as an “air handling unit” (AHU), is the part of your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that circulates and conditions air throughout your home. It typically consists of a large metal box that contains a blower fan, heating and cooling coils, and an air filter. The air handler circulates air through the coils and filter before distributing it back into the building through ductwork.

Your air handler improves your HVAC’s energy efficiency by:

• Ensuring the right amount of air is circulated throughout the building
• Using the coils to efficiently heat or cool the air
• Incorporating high-efficiency air filters

The efficiency improvement that a new air handler can provide for your HVAC system will depend on several factors, such as the condition and efficiency of the old air handler, the size of your air handler in relation to the size of your building, and the specific features and technologies incorporated into the new air handler. Star City can replace your old air handler with one that suits your HVAC system.

Some signs that your air handler may need to be replaced include:

• The age of the unit (air handlers normally last 15-20 years)
• Needing frequent repairs
• Loud or unusual noises
• Decreased airflow
• Higher than average energy bills
• Poor indoor air quality

If you think you might need to have a new air handler installed, contact Star City. Our professional HVAC contractors can inspect your air handler and provide a recommendation.

We recommend calling us to service your air handler at least once a year as part of your routine HVAC maintenance. Our team will inspect your air handler to ensure it is operating at peak performance. This includes cleaning the air filter, inspecting the coils, and checking for any leaks in the ductwork.

We do not recommend trying to repair an air handler yourself. Air handlers are complex systems that require proper sizing, installation, and maintenance to work efficiently.

It’s best to leave your air handler replacement and maintenance to our professional HVAC contractors. The Star City team has the knowledge and experience to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

The cost of a new air handler can vary depending on a number of factors such as the complexity of your HVAC system, the brand and model of the new unit, and the installation location.

Most homeowners should be prepared to spend at least $1000 on an air handler, and it’s not uncommon for air handlers to cost several thousand dollars. However, every home is different—which is why Star City will give you an accurate quote for your specific project before we start.