Air Handlers / Space Pak

Our HVAC system works by pushing cool or warm air, depending on the season, through your ductwork. Your HVAC is able to do this thanks to a unit called the air handler. Sometimes the air handler unit can wear out before other parts of your system, or you choose to upgrade your system and will need to install an air handler that matches the new unit. The experts at PHD Heating & Cooling bring years of air handler installation to every customer, so if you are having issues with your air handler or Space-Pak, call us today!

What Is the Air Handler?

The air handler, also known as the blower, is the large indoor fan that blows the air generated by your furnace and/or air conditioner into your home’s ductwork for delivery into your home’s living spaces. There are two main components of the air handler, known as the blower assembly: the blower (fan), and the motor. Other important parts include the motor capacitors, the fan belt and the limit switch. Each plays an important role in the proper operation of your HVAC system.

What Is The Space-Pak / Unico system?

The SpacePak / Unico system is designed to blend in with your home’s décor and can be installed within the existing framework, without having to tear down walls.

SpacePak removes 30% more humidity than conventional central air systems. That means you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher while still feeling cooler, saving you money by using less energy.

SpacePak pioneered and perfected the concept of “aspiration”, which uses air streams to create a gentle continuous mixing of air in the room to provide uniform, draft-free comfort throughout every room on each floor of your home.

The original Small Duct High Velocity central heating and cooling system, SpacePak is the perfect choice for retrofits and new construction

• Easily Installed In Any Home
• A Seamless Design Blends In With Your Home’s Decor
• Superior Comfort With Unique Draft-Free Delivery
• With Whisper-Quiet Operation And No Bulky Wall Units, You’ll Never Even Know Its There

How it Works

Space-Pak designed for aesthetic appeal and flexible installation in both older homes and modern custom homes. Pre-insulated 2 inch flexible ducts allow PHD Heating & Cooling to install the SpacePak system throughout the home without major renovation or installation of obtrusive bulkheads and unsightly wall units. These flexible ducts can be fed through walls, ceilings, and floors to accommodate the unique layout of your home. Our compact air handling unit is small enough to fit in a closet, attic, basement, or crawlspace yet powerful enough to deliver the level of cooling or heating needed by even the largest of homes.

Why Replace an Air Handler or Space-Pak?

There are a couple of common reasons why you may need a new air handler or Space-Pak / Unico installation. Sometimes the air handler unit can break down prematurely from aging or damage; with situations like these, it isn’t necessary to replace your entire HVAC system, just the blower assembly. In cases like these, our technician will match your new air handler as closely as possible to your current one. Other times, you may be upgrading your HVAC system, and it may be necessary to install an air handler that better matches your new system. Having an air handler that can properly handle the volume of air you need delivered to your living spaces is critical to the energy efficiency of your system and home and your personal comfort.

Call us today at (312) 409-33-26 or contact us online to schedule a visit with one of our specialist.

Clear Duct System and Good Airflow

Since the Air Handler unit is the central unit that moves the air throughout the ductwork, it is important to make sure nothing obstructs the airflow through the air handler, such as dirty or clogged air filters.

Dusty and dirty components lead to big problems which can cause your air conditioner to freeze up along with other major issues.

The dirt from dust that builds up also hurts the motor and creates more heat which can have detrimental effects on the motor. It makes the motor work harder, creating more heat and pulling more amperage, which costs you more electricity costs.

Blower Motor Failure

The next most common problem that can occur with an air handler is a failure of a blower motor, whether it be the blower motor or something else that causes the blower motor to fail. It could be a bad relay, control board, run capacitor, or the blower motor itself. It could also be the blower wheel. These are Air Handling Unit problems that need the attention of PHD Heating & Cooling professional technician.

Air Handler Condensate Lines

Checking the air handler condensate lines is especially important if your air handler is located in the attic. Since the air conditioner evaporator coil (inside the air handling unit) operates at a temperature less than the dew point, it will condense the moisture from the air. This air handling unit coil is designed to allow the moisture to drip into an evaporator condensation pan. Most condensation pans have a 3/4 inch PVC line attached to them that allows the moisture to drain to the outside of the house.

The PVC condensation drain line often becomes clogged with algae and muck. Consequently, it needs to be blown or flushed out from time to time. If your air handler is in an attic, it should have a secondary pan to catch the water in case the primary condensation pan or condensation drain line gets clogged. Typical items that clog condensation lines are algae, muck, and trash, like insulation from the attic. You can treat the evaporator pan and condensation drain lines with algaecide that should work throughout the season.

Call us today at (312) 409-33-26 or contact us online to schedule a visit with one of our specialist.

Air handler maintenance checklist

Here is some additional air handler preventative maintenance. Some of the items on this checklist, like cleaning the filters, can usuallybe done by the homeowner, but be sure to call an PHD Heating & Cooling for more complicated tasks, such as lubricating and greasing the motor and blower bearing:

• Check the unit for noise and vibration
• Clean filters
• Drain and clean condensation pan
• Lubricate and grease motor and blower bearing
• Straighten coils with afin comb
• Check that the motor belt and pulley are working properly
• Inspect wiring for damage or loose connections
• Check the unit’s bypass valve

If you sense any maintenance is needed with your air handler, contact PHD Heating & Cooling. You don’t want your system to shut down when you need it most.

Call us today at (312) 409-33-26 or contact us online to schedule a visit with one of our specialist.