If you’re hunting for heating and cooling services, you may encounter confusing, sometimes contradictory information about different HVAC systems. One component that causes a lot of confusion is the air handler. Is this the same as an air conditioner? We’re here to set the record straight.
What Is an Air Handler?
An air handler is the indoor portion of some models of HVAC systems. It attaches to a network of air ducts that distribute conditioned air inside the building. Air handlers range in size, type and capacity, dependent on the application.
Some consumers use the words “air handler” and “blower” interchangeably, but this is not accurate. An air handler is an entire unit containing a blower and a number of other parts, all of which function together to condition and circulate the air.
Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler?
Normally, an air conditioner shares the furnace’s blower motor, so no air handler is needed. However, in environments where home heating is not something that is necessary, an air conditioner may be the only HVAC equipment present. In this instance, the indoor air handler runs in conjunction with the outside unit, known as the condenser. In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler pushes indoor air across the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to deliver cooled, dehumidified air back to the building using ductwork. Refrigerant lines connect the air handler to the outdoor condenser, facilitating the heat transfer to the outside. This will permit the air conditioning to preserve a constant, cozy indoor temperature and humidity level.
Does a Heat Pump Use an Air Handler?
This is where air handlers are most frequently found. In cold climates where heat pumps are less effective, they are occasionally installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s known as a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less popular these days. Because there is no furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps require a dedicated air handler to circulate conditioned air.
Heat pumps work by pulling heat from the outside air and transferring it inside using the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to acquire heat before circulating it throughout the building. A heat pump can even be used for cooling, where it extracts heat from the indoor air and transmits it outside, just like an air conditioner.
Does a Furnace Use an Air Handler?
No. Furnaces come with a blower motor to circulate conditioned air. The blower is most likely found inside the furnace. It forces air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that exchanges heat from a fuel source to the air blowing over it. The fuel source can be natural gas, propane or oil, which is ignited to produce heat. Once warmed, the air circulates back through the ductwork system and inside the building.
What Are the Parts of an Air Handler?
The major pieces of an air handler include:
- Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that disperses air by way of the ductwork. It moves air across the heating or cooling elements to control the indoor temperature.
- Heating or cooling elements: According to the type of HVAC system you have, the air handler may have heating or cooling elements, including an evaporator coil or backup electric heat strip.
- Air filter: An HVAC air filter removes dust, dirt and other airborne debris from the air as it enters the air handler to be heated or cooled. Air filter types and efficiency ratings vary based on system requirements. Remember to switch out your air filter regularly to avoid restricting airflow through the system.
- Dampers: Dampers are used to control airflow in buildings with zoned heating and cooling. They can be manually or automatically powered to direct air to particular rooms as necessary to uphold a comfortable temperature.
- Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers contain a humidifier or dehumidifier, which manages the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier infuses moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier removes moisture in the summer.
- Control system: The control system is a way to regulate the air handler. It might include a thermostat, humidistat or other sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity throughout the building.
Schedule Air Conditioner or Air Handler Repair
If you’re experiencing issues with your air conditioner, air handler or other HVAC components, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help you out. Our team of talented techs can diagnose and repair any problems with your climate control system, ensuring it runs safely and efficiently. We believe in our exemplary work so much that we stand behind each and every repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to set your home up air conditioning repair in North America, please phone a Service Experts office near you today.