Air handlers need regular cleaning and maintenance—but most homeowners ignore them. See what we found during a recent inspection and why it matters.
Last week during a home inspection, I opened up the air handler cabinet and was immediately hit with a familiar sight: layers of dirt, dust, and buildup covering the internal components. The unit clearly hadn’t been cleaned in a long time. I snapped a photo and showed the client, who looked shocked.
“I didn’t even know you were supposed to clean that,” they said.
That’s more common than you think.
Most people simply don’t maintain their air handler, or even think about it at all. It’s usually tucked away in a closet, attic, or garage—out of sight, out of mind. But that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, your air handler is one of the most critical parts of your home’s HVAC system. It’s what moves conditioned air through your home. And when it’s filthy, it’s not just working harder—it’s also blowing dust, allergens, and microbial growth through your ductwork and into the air you breathe.
Some of the most common issues we see with dirty air handlers include:
- Reduced efficiency and higher electric bills
- Poor indoor air quality
- Drain line clogs and water leaks
- Premature system failure
It doesn’t take long for a dirty coil or blower fan to start affecting your system. And in Florida, where our HVAC systems run nearly year-round, the buildup happens faster than most homeowners realize.
As a home inspector, I always take the time to look inside the air handler. Sometimes it’s just a little dusty. Other times—like this inspection—it’s clear that years of neglect have taken a toll. We always recommend that homeowners have their system cleaned and serviced by a licensed HVAC technician at least once a year. It helps with performance, longevity, and air quality.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to keep up with home maintenance, don’t overlook the air handler. It’s easy to forget about, but it plays a big role in your comfort and health.