An Air Handler is a device that circulates conditioned air throughout a building, regulating airflow and temperature. The cost to repair or replace them varies on the size of the unit, the accessibility to where it is located in the building, as well as the unit itself and any installation or labor costs. Occasionally, air handlers are hung from a ceiling or located on a rooftop, which can be difficult to get to. During the repair or replacement of an air handler unit, the HVAC in the building will have to be shut down.
Repairing an Air Handler
Repairing an air handler unit will require an examination of the individual parts of the unit. This includes looking for motor difficulties, fan problems, leaks, belt replacements, and control system repairs. The top consideration about repairing versus replacing will be the cost. Repairing an air handler unit is much less expensive than replacing it completely, as long as the unit is still relatively in good condition and only certain parts need to be fixed.
One easy way to decide whether an air handler is worth replacing; multiply the age of the unit by the estimated repair cost. If the cost is over $5,000 – it might be worth replacing rather than repairing.
Replacing an Air Handler
This should only be considered if a thorough investigation is completed on the current air handler unit and whether the cost (and benefits) to replace it outweigh the cost of repairing it. Typically, air handlers will need to be replaced between 10 and 20 years. If the unit in your building is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be more cost-effective to replace it entirely.
Most air handler units cost between $1,500 to $3,000 or more depending on the size and brand. Labor for replacing an air handler unit can cost between $800 to $1,800 or more depending on the location, accessibility, and other factors. HVAC technicians will need to be able to get into tight spaces, handle complex wiring, and work with refrigerants using certain equipment.
Some questions to keep in mind when considering replacing the Air Handler in your building:
- How old is the air handler unit?
- Does the unit require frequent repairs?
- Have your energy bills been increasing?
- Does the current unit provide consistent temperatures and airflow?
- Are you looking for certain features or upgrades?
Want To Repair or Replace Your Air Handler Unit? Contact PROAC Today!
PROAC technicians are specialized in determining whether an air handler will need to be replaced, as well as diagnosing any issues with the unit. Our technicians are trained to look for leaks, a broken fan or motor, issues with the coils, clogged air filters, and more. Reach out to us today to see what PROAC can do for your building!