Air Handler Repair & Installation
Air Handler Services in Marin, Sonoma & Napa County
Air handlers are the unspoken heroes, doing the grunt work to keep your home comfortable. Air handlers work with heat pumps and individual air conditioners to circulate air throughout the ductwork inside your home. They typically contain a blower, air filter, and evaporator coil.
If you have a furnace, you probably don’t need an air handler, since your furnace system includes a blower component that functions similarly to circulate air. A furnace also works as an air handler if paired with an air conditioning system.
But if you have a heat pump or air conditioning system without a furnace, an air handler is essential. These quiet, efficient systems provide year-round comfort while also improving indoor air quality.
At Ongaro & Sons, our HVAC experts are ready to help you with any questions you have about air handlers or services you may need to keep your air handler in good shape. We bring decades of hands-on experience and stay up to date with the latest industry advancements and technologies.
We offer complete air handler services in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. From diagnostics to repairs and routine maintenance to aging system replacement, Ongaro & Sons is here to help with any air handler need.
Air Handler Maintenance Tips
Proper air handler maintenance is key to keeping your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Follow these tips to help extend the life of your system:
Improve Efficiency and Save Money
Routine maintenance keeps your air handler running at peak performance, helping your HVAC system operate more efficiently. When everything’s clean and properly adjusted, your system doesn’t have to work as hard, potentially cutting your energy bills by up to 30% while extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Prevent Costly Repairs
Regular inspections allow our trained technicians to catch wear and tear or developing issues before they turn into major repairs. What starts as a small problem, like a dirty coil or weak blower motor, can lead to serious damage if ignored. Preventative care helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency service calls.
Protect Your Indoor Air Quality
An unmaintained air handler can become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and allergens, especially in the condensate drain pan. These contaminants can spread through your ductwork and negatively impact the air you breathe. Regular maintenance helps ensure cleaner air and a healthier home environment for you and your family.
Keep Airflow Strong
Over time, air filters become clogged with dust, pollen, and debris, restricting airflow throughout your system. This makes it harder to heat or cool your home effectively. Changing filters regularly and inspecting airflow components during maintenance visits keeps your system balanced and ensures consistent comfort in every room.
Stay on Track With a Maintenance Plan
Our Maintenance Plan takes the guesswork out of HVAC maintenance. We create a custom schedule for your system, send you timely reminders, and offer savings on parts, labor, and additional services. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to protect your air handler and stay ahead of seasonal issues.
Schedule maintenance online today, or enroll in our maintenance plan so that when it’s time for your checkup, we’ll send you a reminder. Let us help you get the most out of your air handler and save on your utility bills!
Air Handler Repairs
Does something feel off? Are you hotter or colder than usual? Are strange, clanking-like noises keeping you up at night? Your air handler might be the culprit.
Our team of trusted heating and cooling specialists can help you out. We regularly troubleshoot faulty air handlers and can get your HVAC system working quickly. If you think your air handler may be broken or operating at a reduced capacity, call us right away to get it fixed. Smaller issues can grow into larger ones, leading to breakdowns that require a whole new system.
We regularly train and stay informed on HVAC products, new and old. Even if we didn’t install your air handler, we know how to fix it. Schedule a repair online today, and we can diagnose and repair your air handler to keep you comfortable throughout the year.
Air Handler Installation or Replacement
As a rule of thumb, properly maintained air handlers last around 15 years, is yours approaching (or surpassing) that milestone?
To see if you’re ready for a new system, consult with one of our friendly technicians. We’ll help you make the right call about whether additional repairs are worth the cost or if your current air handler unit should retire.
We’re pleased to bring the latest technology to your household. We know there’s never a universal solution. That’s why, before we start any job, we’ll take the proper measurements to find the best air handler that fits your home comfortably like a new sweater. Ongaro & Sons professionals will always provide our customers with a free assessment and an upfront price tag. That way, you’ll know what to expect, no hidden surprises. We want you to be pleased with the result.
Are you ready to update your home HVAC system? Schedule an appointment online today. Be sure to ask about our convenient financing options (subject to approved credit) that make it easy for you to create a healthy home.
Schedule Your Air Handler Service
Whether you need maintenance, repair, or a new air handler installation, our experienced technicians are here to help. We proudly serve homeowners in Novato, Ross, Glen Ellen, and throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties, as well as the surrounding North Bay communities. Call us now at 415-741-2820 or book your appointment online.
Your Comfort, Our Priority
Ongaro & Sons is your trusted heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and solar expert, specializing in reliable maintenance and repair services that keep your home running efficiently year-round.
Our certified technicians deliver unmatched expertise with fast, friendly service across Marin, Sonoma and Napa County. From HVAC tune-ups to plumbing repairs and electrical upgrades or solar solutions, we focus on energy-efficient performance and long-term comfort. Count on us to maintain the systems that power your home and keep your environment just the way you like it.
Licensed, Insured, Background-Checked
Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and trained to service all makes and models.
Locally Owned and Operated
Serving the Napa, Marin, and Sonoma communities with personalized, hometown service.
Reliable Repairs
We respond quickly and get the job done right the first time, with no surprises.
Since 1932
Why Ongaro & Sons for Air Handlers
The air handler is where airflow problems usually start and where they are usually diagnosed last.
Schedule Service →Airflow measured, not assumed
Static pressure and delivered airflow tell you whether a blower is struggling against the duct system. Replacing a motor without checking that means replacing it again.
Coil and drainage inspected together
A restricted coil and a blocked condensate path produce different symptoms with the same cause. Attic installations make the second one expensive if missed.
Matched components on replacement
An air handler paired to the wrong outdoor unit gives up efficiency and warranty standing. Manufacturer tier standing with both Trane and Mitsubishi Electric keeps matching straightforward.
Attic installations planned for service access
Equipment that cannot be reached does not get maintained. Placement, platform and clearance get considered at install rather than discovered later.
Permits and documentation handled
Ongaro & Sons has held an active California contractors licence since 1963, family-owned in the North Bay since 1932.
Discount
Membership
Ongaro Maintenance Plans
Annual maintenance on your home systems provides safeguards and comfort to you and your family. Members get priority scheduling, discounts, and proactive checkups that catch problems early.
Member Discounts
5% off every repair and replacement, all year long.
Peace of Mind
Proactive checkups catch issues before they become big problems.
Courtesy Reminders
We call you to schedule: never miss a seasonal service.
Value That Lasts
With Ongaro & Sons, you’re investing in quality, integrity, and service that stands the test of time. Explore our current promotions and see the difference real value makes for your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical needs.
From the Blog
May 7, 2026Ceiling Fan Direction In Summer: Which Way And Why
Ceiling fan direction for summer is counterclockwise: push air down for a wind chill effect, then raise the thermostat 4 degrees. The science.
Read More
May 1, 2026Wildfire Smoke & Indoor Air Quality In Marin & Sonoma
Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5 and toxic gases standard HVAC filters miss. What protects indoor air quality across Marin, Sonoma and Napa County.
Read More
Apr 29, 2026HVAC Permits In Marin And Sonoma County
Unpermitted work creates insurance risk and sale complications in Marin, Sonoma and Napa County. What permits protect and how to verify your contractor.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Can I add zoning to my existing HVAC system?
Yes, adding zoning to an existing HVAC system is possible, but it depends on your current system and the type of zoning you’d like to implement. Sometimes, adjustments to your ductwork may be required, as well as the installation of new thermostats and dampers.
Can I just close vents in unused rooms to save energy?
Closing vents in unused rooms may seem like a good way to save energy, but it can actually have the opposite effect. Most modern HVAC systems are designed to balance airflow throughout the entire home. When you close vents, it can increase pressure in the ductwork, causing your system to work harder and less efficiently. This added strain can lead to higher energy bills, reduced comfort, and even premature wear on your HVAC system. Instead of closing vents, consider using a programmable thermostat, zoning system, or energy-efficient upgrades to better manage heating and cooling in your home. For personalized energy-saving advice, it’s best to consult a licensed HVAC professional.
Can I still create a zone control system if my home has no ductwork?
Yes! Ductless mini split systems allow you to set up multiple air handlers throughout your home. Each air handler acts as a zone, complete with a thermostat.
Can insulation help with noise reduction?
Yes, insulation not only improves energy efficiency but also acts as a sound barrier. Adding insulation to interior walls, floors, and ceilings can significantly reduce noise between rooms or from outside sources.
Can the type of insulation I choose affect my health?
It’s possible if it’s not installed correctly. Poorly installed insulation can lead to itchy eyes, a skin rash, or unpleasant odors that make it difficult to breathe comfortably. Additionally, some types of insulation should not be used in damp crawl spaces, for example, because they will not cure properly. That can lead to extended periods of off-gassing. You can rest assured that our experienced installers at Ongaro & Sons never rush a job or try to install insulation into the wrong area.
Do leaky ducts increase energy costs?
Absolutely, leaky ducts can lose up to 30% of heated or cooled air before it reaches your living spaces. Sealing and insulating ducts can boost HVAC efficiency, lower energy bills, and improve overall system performance.
How do I know if my home needs more insulation?
Signs include high energy bills, uneven temperatures between rooms, drafts, cold walls in winter, and hot ceilings in summer. An insulation audit or energy assessment can help determine where improvements are needed.
How many zones can I have in my home?
The number of zones depends on your HVAC system, ductwork layout, and personal preferences. Most homes benefit from 2–4 zones , but larger properties may have more. Your HVAC technician can help you design the ideal configuration.
Is my home a good candidate for zoning?
Most homes with forced-air HVAC systems can benefit from zoning, especially if you have rooms that are consistently too hot or too cold, a multi-story layout, or areas that aren't used frequently.
What areas of my home should be insulated?
The most important areas include the attic, walls, crawl space or basement, and floors above unheated spaces. Proper insulation in these areas helps regulate temperature, reduce energy costs, and improve comfort year-round.