If you’re hunting for heating and cooling services, you may find confusing, sometimes contradictory information about various kinds of HVAC systems. One element that garners plenty of confusion is the air handler. Is this the equivalent of an air conditioner? We’re here to clear things up.
What Is an Air Handler?
An air handler is the indoor portion of some kinds of HVAC systems. It [[connects|links|attaches|hooks up] 11] to a network of air ducts that deliver conditioned air throughout the building. Air handlers range in size, type and capacity, based on the application.
Some individuals use the terms “air handler” and “blower” interchangeably, but this is not correct. An air handler is an entire unit containing a blower and numerous other elements, all of which work together to condition and circulate the air.
Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler?
Typically, an air conditioner [shares|uses|utilizes]109] the furnace’s blower motor, so no air handler is needed. However, in environments where home heating is not needed in a home or commercial property, an air conditioner may be the only HVAC equipment present. In this case, the indoor air handler operates in tandem with the outdoor unit, called the condenser. In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler [blows|forces|pushes]110] indoor air [across|over|along the outside of]111] the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to deliver cooled, dehumidified air back inside the building via ductwork. Refrigerant lines link the air handler to the outdoor condenser, enabling the heat transfer to the outside. This allows air conditioning to maintain a constant, comfortable indoor temperature and humidity level.
Does a Heat Pump Use an Air Handler?
This is where air handlers are most commonly found. In cold climates where heat pumps are less effective, they are sometimes installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s called a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less prevalent these days. Because there is no furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps need a dedicated air handler to move conditioned air.
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it inside using the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to obtain heat before circulating it all over the building. A heat pump can also 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 move conditioned air. The blower is commonly housed in the interior of the furnace. It pushes air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that moves 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 create heat. Once warmed, the air is distributed back through the ductwork system and back into the building.
What Are the Parts of an Air Handler?
The [main|major|basic]69] [parts|components|pieces]70] of an air handler include:
- Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that moves air through the ductwork. It forces air across the heating or cooling elements to manage the indoor temperature.
- Heating or cooling elements: According to the type of HVAC system you own, the air handler may have heating or cooling elements, including an evaporator coil or backup electric heat strip.
- Air filter: An HVAC air filter eliminates dust, dirt and other contaminants from the air as it flows into the air handler to be heated or cooled. Air filter types and efficiency ratings vary based on system requirements. Remember to change your air filter regularly to protect against restricting airflow through the system.
- Dampers: Dampers are used to control airflow in structures with zoned heating and cooling. They can be manually or automatically powered to direct air to certain rooms as necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers have a humidifier or dehumidifier, which controls the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier puts moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier removes moisture in the summer.
- Control system: The control system is tasked with regulating the air handler. It might include a thermostat, humidistat or other sensors to keep track of the temperature and humidity inside the building.
Schedule Air Conditioner or Air Handler Repair
If you’re suffering from issues with your air conditioner, air handler or other HVAC components, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our staff of experienced specialists 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 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 reach out to a Service Experts office in your neighborhood today.