https://www.serviceexperts.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-an-air-handler-and-furnace

Air handlers and furnaces aren't typically installed in the same home in North America. If you have a furnace, you most likely won’t need to think about an air handler. Air handlers are frequently paired with heat pumps and manage airflow across your residence. Some systems also provide extra heating and cooling pieces to support the heat pump. A furnace heats in a different manner by pushing heated air into your vents, which send it across your residence. Since furnaces depend on combustion chambers to produce heated air, they don't have some of the parts you'll see in a standard air handler.

What is the Difference Between an Air Handler and Furnace?

Air handlers and furnaces aren't typically installed side by side in Long Island. If you use a furnace, you probably won’t need to consider an air handler.

Air handlers are frequently paired with heat pumps and manage airflow throughout your home. Some models also have extra heating and cooling parts to help the heat pump.

A furnace works in a different way by blowing hot air into your vents, which send it throughout your home. As furnaces rely on combustion chambers to create heat, they don't need some of the components you'll spot in a standard air handler.