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Air Handlers Maintenance

Air Handler Maintenance

Learn best practices for taking care of your system, so you can avoid costly repairs.

How to care for your air handler

Taking care of your air handler properly and scheduling annual service with an HVAC dealer can help you avoid costly repairs down the line and extend the life of your system. Follow these tips to keep your air handler running smooth.

Schedule a preventative maintenance checkup for your air handler with your local dealer at least once a year. Your air handler is responsible for evenly distributing cool and warm air throughout your house. Trane air handlers are tested to last, but with so many moving parts under constant use, the possibility for wear and obstructions can happen from time to time.

Your Trane Comfort Specialist™ will inspect your air handler and make sure the motor and fan blades are free of obstructions and air is moving throughout the system as it should. Here’s what your can expect your dealer to do at your next air handler service appointment:

Make sure fan blades are free of dust buildup.
Ensure all moving parts are free of cracks and excessive wear.
Test fan RPM so it meets design specifications.
Tighten Bearing collar set screws on fan shaft.
Clear dampers of dirt accumulations.
Confirm damper actuators and linkages are operational and aligned.
Confirm all mechanical connections and dampers are properly lubricated.
Clean the coils.

Check for leaks. All coils, refrigerant lines, valves, fittings, etc.
Check for rust in condensation pans and drains.
Check all belts for signs of wear and cracks.
Properly align rigid couplings.
Drain and remove any moisture from all cooling coils.
Make sure freeze stat is on proper temperature setting and operation.
Vacuum the entire unit properly.

Here are a few things you can keep an eye on throughout the year to make sure your air handler is working properly. If you detect a problem, call your HVAC professional.

Clean or change the air handler filter at least once a year — more if you have pets or seasonal allergies or asthma.
Listen for excessive noise or vibrations.
Be aware of odors coming from the air. Musty smells could be mold build up while burning smells may indicate an electrical problem with the motor.
Tell your technician if you hear any unusual noises.

The Trane Hyperion air handler can be disassembled within a few minutes with only one tool, ensuring a quick installation so you can enjoy the benefits of Trane comfort as soon as possible. Plus, the cabinet can be cleaned fast and efficiently because the blower and coil assemblies slide out for easy access.

Taking care of the filter is one of the most important things you can do for your air handler. Clean or change your air filter at least once a year to ensure proper air flow and better indoor air quality.

Locate your air handler filter. It may be behind the bottom panel of your indoor unit, or there may be two filters.
Remove old filter. Make sure you insert the clean filter with the arrows on it pointing in the direction of the airflow.
Replace with new filter. When replacing your air handler filters, always use the same size and type that was originally supplied.

How to clean a semi-permanent air handler filter

If you have a semi-permanent filter, take the filter out of the frame and vacuum it. If you have disposable filters, they should be replaced every month with filters of the same size.

Here a few common problems and quick fixes to try if your air handler isn’t working properly.

PROBLEM: Musty smell in the air.
SOLUTION: Clean or change your air filter. There could be mold build up.

PROBLEM: Unusual noise.
SOLUTION: Could be a simple fix like a loose cabinet or an indication of a motor problem.

PROBLEM: Drop in output.
SOLUTION: Possible ductwork leak. Have an HVAC expert check for leaks.

For even more air handler troubleshooting tips, check out our Air handler troubleshooting guide.

Set the temperature while you’re away

When you’re going out of town for a few days, or when outdoor temperatures are moderate, don’t let your system run unnecessarily. When you return home, or when temperatures dictate, you can reset the system and it will immediately begin making your home comfortable again. If your heating system is not operational during the cold weather months, provisions must be taken to prevent the freeze-up of all water pipes and water receptacles.

SUMMER: Raise the thermostat to 85°F.
WINTER: Lower the thermostat 55°F.

Change filters regularly

Mold and debris can build up and restrict air flow. If left untreated, the dirt and debris can attach to the fan blades and motor, causing more serious problems.

Schedule annual service check

We recommend servicing heating and cooling systems annually before each season. For your air handler, because it runs all year, it’s a good idea to have it checked out once a year.

Download our air handler user guides

For specific tips and details about how to maintain and service your Trane air handler, visit our User Guides page. You’ll find details and helpful information for all our air handler models (Hyperion XL, Hyperion XR, Hyperion XB).

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