Go-with-the-flow-maintenance

Cleaning Your Air Handler

Taking care of your air handler can help you avoid repairs down the line. When your system is installed, ask your dealer where the filter is located. Then check out these tips for changing and cleaning it.

Air Handler Maintenance

Disclaimer

The following information is for educational purposes only. Tampering with your system may void your warranty. If you have any questions about your system, call a Trane Comfort Specialist™.

Changing or cleaning the filter

The first step is finding the filter. It may be behind the bottom panel of your indoor unit, or there may be two filters.

When removing a filter, make sure you insert the clean filter with the arrows on it pointing in the direction of the airflow.
When replacing your air handler filters, always use the same size and type that was originally supplied.
If you have a semi-permanent filter, you can take the filter out of the frame and vacuum it.
If you have disposable filters, they should be replaced every month with filters of the same size.

Setting the temperature while you’re away

When you’re going out of town for a few days, or when outdoor temperatures are moderate, don’t let your system run unnecessarily. When you return home, or when temperatures dictate, you can reset the system and it will immediately begin making your home comfortable again. If your heating system is not operational during the cold weather months, provisions must be taken to prevent the freeze-up of all water pipes and water receptacles.

Summer

Raise the thermostat to 85°F

Winter

Lower the thermostat 55°F

Dealer Maintenance

Your Trane specialist will guarantee that all components are working properly by checking these parts of your air handler:

Fan blades are free of dust buildup
All moving parts are free of cracks and excessive wear
Fan RPM meets design specifications
Bearing collar set screws on fan shaft are tight
Dampers are free of dirt accumulations
Damper actuators and linkages are operational and aligned
All mechanical connections and dampers are properly lubricated
Coils are clean
All coils, refrigerant lines, valves, fittings, etc. are free of leaks
Condensation pans and drains are rust free
All belts are free of wear and cracks
Rigid couplings are properly aligned
All cooling coils are drained and blown to remove moisture
Freeze stat is on proper temperature setting and operation
The entire unit is properly vacuumed