An air handler is a component of a ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system that regulates and circulates air. Air handlers supply conditioned air to the occupied spaces and remove humidity and contaminants from the air. One popular location for this crucial component is in the attic.
If you have your air handler in attic space for your HVAC system, it’s important to keep it clean and free of dust and debris. Not only will this help it run more efficiently, but it will also help keep your home’s air clean and healthy. In this article, we’ll show you how to properly clean an air handler in an attic.
Ensure you have enough room to work
The first step in cleaning an air handler in an attic is to ensure you have enough room to work up there. Frequently, air handlers are installed in a spot that’s out of the way so you can continue using your attic for storage or livable space. However, this often means there’s not much room to clean the unit. If you find that you’re uncomfortable with the limited space to work with in the attic, you should consider hiring a professional to clean your attic air handler. On the other hand, if you have enough space to work with, you can move on to the next steps.
Shut off power to the attic air handler and remove the access panel
The first step in cleaning your air handler is to shut off power to the unit. You can do this by locating the circuit breaker that supplies power to the unit and flipping it to the off position. Make certain to flip the breaker all the way off, not just to the “reset” position. Once the power is off, you can begin the cleaning process.
Shutting off the power to the air handler is a vital step in cleaning it. Without shutting off the power, you run the risk of getting injured by the moving parts of the fan or even electrical shock.
Once the power is off, start cleaning by removing the access panel to the air handler to access the inside of the unit. To remove the access panel, simply remove the screws that hold it in place and set the panel to the side. This will give you access to the blower, motor, and coils that need to be cleaned.
Clean the components of the attic air handler
Now that you have the air handler’s access panel off, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or dirt from the coils. Be careful not to damage them as it can impact the performance of your HVAC system. The coils are responsible for transferring heat out of the unit, so if they are damaged, the system will not be able to cool the air as efficiently. This can lead to higher energy bills and a decrease in comfort. Additionally, it can be a safety hazard, as it can create a fire hazard. If you notice any damage to your air conditioner coils, have them repaired as soon as possible.
Then, use a brush to clean the fan blades. If they’re too dirty, you can use a degreaser to clean them. This will help the unit run more efficiently and help keep your home cool. Finally, you can replace the access panel by holding it in place and replacing the screws you removed earlier. Once the access panel is replaced, you’re all finished.
Keep your attic air handler clean
With this information, you can keep your air handler clean and your HVAC system running smoothly for years to come. Remember that if you’re uncomfortable with any part of this process, it’s always best to hire a professional HVAC technician to maintain your attic air handler.
