Lambert Heating and Air Conditioning is a family-owned and operated heating and repair company serving residents residents in Los Angeles County. Because we’re local, we provide a level of customer service you can’t get with national chains. Our technicians are courteous, insured, and background-checked for your peace of mind.
Contact us today for an estimate.
Signs You Need Air Handler Repair
Homeowners take their air conditioners for granted, and most don’t know much about how these systems work or what each component does, including the air handler. The air handler is the indoor part of your AC system responsible for cooling or heating the air pumped in by the blower and sending it through the house through the ducts. Like most machines, when one critical component fails, it compromises the whole system, so here are some signs that your air handler may need repair or replacement.
- Freezing If you’ve seen a frozen air conditioner in the summer, it’s probably because the air handler is failing. Freezing happens when the indoor coil can’t absorb the heat from the air, causing the vapor that contacts the coil to freeze. If the ice builds up, it can cause the system to shut down. Sometimes this phenomenon is caused by a dirty air filter, or it could be a failing air handler.
- Weak Airflow Many problems lead to weakened airflow, including air handler failure. As air handlers age, they can develop cracks, which reduces airflow. Cracks in the air handler can also lead to mold and mildew buildup, which can cause health problems as it spreads throughout the house.
- Frequent Repairs It’s not normal for an air conditioner to require annual repairs, so if you’re calling a technician every season to fix the system and get it working again, it could be the air handler that’s the problem. Keep in mind, however, that air conditioners work most efficiently when the indoor and outdoor units are matched, so if one fails, it’s typically best to replace the entire system.
If your air conditioner isn’t performing as it should call one of the experts at Lambert Heating and Air Conditioning to troubleshoot the problem.
Our filtration service keeps your system clean and efficient.
AC replacement in Orange and LA Counties
An air conditioner is an expensive investment, so it’s natural to want to use your system for as long as possible to get the most out of it, but all machines fail eventually. However, it isn’t easy to know when to spring for a new system versus continuing to repair it.
The average lifespan of an air conditioner is between 20 and 25 years, so once your system reaches double digits, it’s wise to put a little money aside every year toward a replacement. Let’s look at the most common signs that say it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
- The Air Isn’t As Cold As Before A sudden drop in the cold air is a telltale sign that your central AC system may be on its last legs. If you normally keep your thermostat at 72, but you must continually lower it to get the desired temperature, it’s worth calling a professional to determine the problem. Sometimes, it’s a refrigerant leak that’s causing it, but it could be that your air conditioner is ready for an upgrade.
- Age As mentioned, the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 20-25 years, so if yours is past that time and out of warranty, it’s typically better to purchase a new one instead of going down the rabbit hole of never-ending repairs.
- Never Ending Repairs Air conditioners require more frequent repairs during the last few years of their lives. It’s wise to look at your repair frequency and expenses as your system gets older. If you find that you need a repair every year, it makes more financial sense to put your money towards a new air conditioner than to continue putting it into a dying unit.
- It Makes Odd Noises A sudden squeal, rattle, or hum that wasn’t there before could signify trouble. Depending on the cause of the noise and the repair cost, you may be better off with a new air conditioner replacement.
- You’ve Remodeled Your Home If you’ve remodeled or expanded your home, your current air conditioner may not be able to cool it properly. Typically, you install an air conditioner based on your home’s square footage, so if that increases, your air conditioner will struggle to maintain the desired temperature, which can cause a premature system failure. When you remodel, it’s best to call a professional to determine whether your current system can handle the extra space or if it’s better to upgrade.