Ductless Indoor Air Handlers: What You Need To Know
A mini-split consists of two main parts, an outdoor unit, and a ductless indoor air handler. It can circulate both hot and cold air, depending on your specific needs. With a correctly sized mini-split, you can rest easy knowing that your family will experience optimum comfort all year round.
Keep in mind that the indoor air handler makes a significant contribution to how efficient your system operates. A more efficient ductless air handler means that your outdoor unit will work less to make sure that you receive the home comfort you deserve.
What Is A Ductless Indoor Air Handler?
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The air handler is the indoor component in your two-part HVAC system. As the name suggests, it handles the air inside your home. The conditioned air flows out of it to ensure that your home is at a comfortable temperature all year long. The indoor air handlers of a central heating and cooling systems are usually located in the basement, attic, or a dedicated closet. Whereas, indoor air handlers of ductless mini-splits are generally mounted on the wall, floor, or ceiling.
How Do Air Handlers Work?
The refrigerant, the substance vital to the cooling cycle, travels from the indoor air handler to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is typically placed on the side yard or backyard, next to your home. It is where the refrigerant releases the heat. As a result, the refrigerant is cooled and moves back to your indoor unit via copper coils. A fan then blows over the refrigerant-filled coils, releasing cold air into your home.
Parts Of An Indoor Air Handler For A Ductless System
The indoor air handler helps in the regulation and circulation of the temperature and air inside your home. It is made up of different components that are vital to delivering the enhanced level of home comfort designed explicitly for your household. These are as follows:
Coil
Also known as the evaporator coil, the indoor coil is an essential part of the unit’s refrigeration cycle. During the summer, when your home needs cold air, the coil is cold. The cold coil removes humidity and cools the air as it passes over it. This conditioned air flowing out of the indoor unit is what is felt throughout your home.
On the other hand, the coil is warm when you need warm indoor air. It transfers heat to the air that passes over it. In turn, the air coming out of your indoor air handler warms up your entire home.
Blower Motor
The blower is responsible for circulating the air into your home. It has three available speeds, namely, single-speed, multi-speed, and variable-speed.
- Single-Speed: This motor functions at one fixed speed. Therefore, the motor cycles on and off as required by the control system or thermostat. Simply put, it runs on 100 percent capacity when on and at zero capacity when off, with nothing in between.
- Multi-Speed: A multi-speed motor can operate on multiple speeds. The speed of which it runs depends on your household’s specific needs. For instance, the blower motor will work at 100 percent if there the control system or thermostat requires a high-demand setting. It can also operate at low speed for low-stage demand situations. The reduced blower motor speed can still maintain low humidity levels, provide consistent home comfort, and be more energy-efficient compared to a single-stage unit.
- Variable-Speed: The fan speed depends on your home’s specific indoor comfort requirements. An air handler that is equipped with variable speed can precisely control the circulation of the cooled or heated air throughout your home. It can adjust its speed to operate at different capacities. Therefore, it can ramp up or down to the exact rate needed so that the required amount of cooling or heating is met. Variable-speed blow motors offer better comfort and quieter operation at improved efficiency. As a result, you will have all the comfort you deserve at a lower cost.
Vibration Isolators
The blowers create a vibration, which in turn transmits as noise. The noise can be annoying and distracting to the occupants of the house. This is where vibration isolators come in. Typically made of thick, natural rubber, vibration isolators have a sound dampening effect. This means that it eliminates the vibration and, in turn, the sound transfer to the structures. It can be a mounting bracket or a flexible section that is inserted between the fan compartment and the rest of the air handling unit.
HVAC Air Filter
Heating and cooling systems are almost always equipped with air filters. It is what traps all dust, allergens, and other contaminants so that you’ll have cleaner air inside your home. This way, you can keep you and your family healthy as you avoid triggering any existing respiratory issues like asthma or skin problems like allergies.
Window air conditioners typically have rudimentary filters which can only trap large contaminants such as pet fur. Whereas, ductless units feature improved filters that can catch even the smallest particle. Depending on the make and model, some have multi-stage filtration so that you have the healthiest and cleanest indoor air possible.
Controls Or Thermostat
The controls are an essential part of any HVAC system as it helps you regulate every aspect. This includes air quality, supply air temperature, the flow rate of air, humidity, and more. The control may be a basic one that only turns the unit on and off. It can also be complex like building automation or the automatic centralized control of a building’s HVAC system.
Drain Pipe
During the cooling process happens, the temperature is very low, and the air around it condenses into water. These water droplets are usually found on the surface of the cooling coil. These droplets eventually fall from the cooling coil and are collected into a drain pan. The water is then funneled to the drain line, which is responsible for removing the water from your indoor air handler. The drain line usually extends to the outdoor unit where it is properly disposed of.
Louvers
Also called fins, the louvers are where the conditioned air passes through into the room. It helps change the direction or angle of the cold or warm air so that it goes directly to where it is supposed to. There are two kinds of louvers, namely, vertical and horizontal.
The vertical louvers control the airflow in the right and left directions. They are also easy to operate. If you want to change the direction of the louver, you can do so manually and get results immediately. Whereas, horizontal louvers control the airflow in an up and down direction. It is also connected to a small motor and is controlled by remote control. You can set it on a fixed position or in rotation mode. While in rotation mode, your indoor air handler can distribute an even supply of conditioned air across the room.
Other Accessories for Indoor Air Handler Units
Your indoor air handler might need additional accessories so that it can function at optimum capacity. An example of this is an electric heater. AN HVAC contractor installs this in the air handling unit. The electric heater supplements your condenser’s heating capabilities. It works by heating the coils to provide warmth to the conditioned air that blows over them.
Another example is ultraviolet lighting. The UV light in your air handler neutralizes airborne viruses and bacteria. This way, your indoor air handler does a better job at purifying the air inside your home. Other accessories include a water safety cutout switch and air filter boxes.
Ductless Mini-Split Indoor Handler: Repairs And Replacements
If you are receiving low to no airflow at all, then you might have a faulty air handler. It could be that the blower motor had burnt out. If this is the case, then it needs to be replaced with a new one. If you have an old indoor air handler, then the whole unit might need replacing.
Keep an eye out for early warning signs of a broken air handler. There might be clanging or rattling noises that indicate may a loose air handler or a damaged blower fan. Your indoor air handler can fail for several reasons. When you find that your indoor air handler is not functioning as it should, contact your local trusted technicians to fix it or replace it.
How To Maintain An Air Handler For A Ductless System
Your air handler affects your home’s energy efficiency and air quality. Therefore, you must do everything you can to ensure that it works at maximum capacity at all times for many years to come. One way to do this is to ensure that your air handler is clean. A dirty air handler circulates unhygienic and unhealthy air. It also means that you are less efficient. You’ll soon find that your monthly utility bills are costing you more and more money.
To ensure cleanliness, you have to change the air filter regularly. You can also install air quality equipment such as a UV germicidal light. This way, bacteria, and mold won’t grow in your air handler. It is also highly recommended to get annual tune-ups from a qualified HVAC technician.
Check Out One Of Our Ductless Installation Projects
Fujitsu Ductless Mini-Split Replacement Project In Salisbury, Massachusetts
Conclusion
When you are looking to install air handlers, make sure to call a professional technician. An expert will make sure that you have the best air handler possible so that you receive effective air conditioning all year round.
Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your Home Heating And Cooling Needs
If you are ready to switch to a ductless HVAC system or have more questions, call Townsend Energy today. Our experienced NATE-certified technicians will discuss your needs and requirements to help you find the best ductless HVAC system for you.
Townsend Energy is a full-service HVAC company that services residential and commercial properties throughout New England. We offer a range of heating and cooling services, including HVAC installations, repairs, tune-ups, and more. Our experienced, NATE certified professionals can find the best home heating and cooling solutions for your home while working with your budget. We aim to improve your home’s level of energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. Our work is backed by a warranty to ensure your satisfaction. We also provide free, in-home estimates. Call Townsend Energy today.
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