How to Replace a Heating Element in an Air Handler

What is an air handler?

The Air handler circulates the air (heat or cool) inside of your room/building with the help of ductwork for the ventilation system. The blower fan, evaporator coil, and heating elements are the major components of the air handler. Multi-position air handlers, wall-mounted air handlers, and ceiling-mounted air handlers are the types of air handlers currently available. 15 to 30 years is the lifetime of the air handler, but if maintenance is done at regular intervals, it will last more than 30 years.

Steps to replace a heating element in an air handler:

Note: Without HVAC replacement knowledge, do not replace or repair the air handler parts or other HVAC equipment parts. Take help from HVAC professionals.

• Turn off the power supply to the air handler unit.
• Remove the access panel.
• Disconnect the connections using the correct tools.
• Securely, remove the old heating element.
• Install a new heating element.
• Reconnect all connections.
• Close the access panel.
• Turn on the power supply.
• Check if your air handler works correctly
• If any problem is happening, then turn off the power supply again.
• Call a technician to solve the problem.

Frequently asked questions:

What are the core parts of an air handler?

• Blower Motor: After the HVAC system has conditioned the air, the blower fan in the device circulates the air out from the unit, into the ducting, and into your living rooms throughout the house. One of its functions is to circulate air that has been conditioned by your air conditioner or furnace. Single and multi-speed motors have a predetermined number of rev/min (RPM) and can move consistent amounts of air in cubic feet per minute. A variable-speed motor, often called an ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor), constantly monitors changing conditions and adjusts outputs for maximum efficiency.
• Air Filters: The air filter for your HVAC system is located between both the fan and the intake ducting in the air handler. It captures particulates from incoming dusty air to protect inside components. The filter removes any impurities from the air that is brought into the HVAC system, protecting the system.
• Evaporator Coil: Low temperature with low-pressure refrigerant flows from the evaporator coil. An evaporator coil is also known as an indoor coil. It absorbs the heat from the refrigerant gas. 
• Plenum Connectors: The supplier and returns ducting throughout the house are connected to the air handling unit via air-collection boxes. After passing air through the filter and air handler, the supply ducts send heated/cooled air to vents in each room. Unconditioned air is returned to the system through the return ducts, in which it is filtered and reconditioned.

What are the types of air handlers?

• Single-speed: A single-speed device has an engine and a fan that runs at the same speed all the time.
• Five-speed: A five-speed unit has multiple speeds and is more accurate while running. This device is more successful in circulating air throughout every area in your residence, and the method is more effective and silent, thanks to its higher speeds.
• Variable-speed: A variable-speed model enables the unit to run at various speeds, ensuring precise performance to satisfy any requirement. It can react to changing humidity levels while maintaining stable temperatures and better indoor air quality with a variable-speed model.

How long does the air handler run efficiently? 

• The air conditioner runs for 10 to 12 years efficiently.
• Need replacement after every 10 to 12 years for high performance.

Best air handler parts links:

Product Name: Air Handler Control Module For York Part
Part Number: S1-031-01146-700
Manufacturer Name: York
Link: https://www.partshnc.com/air-handler-control-module   

Product Name: Evaporator Coil For Air Handler For Carrier Part
Part Number: 342796-75103
Manufacturer Name: Carrier
Link: https://www.partshnc.com/evap-coil-for-air-handler-2  

Product Name: Air Handler Comm Control Board For Trane Part
Part Number: CNT6352
Manufacturer Name: Trane
Link: https://www.partshnc.com/trane-air-handler-control-board-cnt6352   

Product Name: Pcb Control Air Handler For Amana-Goodman Part
Part Number: PCBJA104S
Manufacturer Name: Amana Goodman
Link: https://www.partshnc.com/pcb-control-air-handler-3   

Product Name: Air Handler Control Board For Rheem-Ruud Part
Part Number: 47-102606-85
Manufacturer Name: Rheem-Ruud
Link: https://www.partshnc.com/rheem-ruud-47-102606-85-oem-control-board    

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