ENHANCE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM WITH EXPERT AIR HANDLER SERVICES

Common FAQs

What does an air handler unit do?

An air handler unit, commonly referred to as an AHU, is a vital component of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It is responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout a building. Here’s what an air handler unit does:

• Air Distribution: The primary function of an air handler unit is to distribute conditioned air throughout the building. It takes in air from the return ducts and passes it through filters to remove impurities before directing it to the heating or cooling components.

• Heating and Cooling: The AHU contains heating and cooling elements, such as coils and heat exchangers, that regulate the temperature of the air. In the heating mode, the coils warm up the air, while in the cooling mode, they cool it down before being distributed through the supply ducts.

• Air Filtration: Air handler units often have filters that help improve indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, and other particles. These filters prevent contaminants from entering the air circulation system and help maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

• Humidity Control: Some air handler units have the ability to regulate humidity levels in the air. They can remove excess moisture during hot and humid weather or add moisture when the air is dry, contributing to a more comfortable indoor environment.

An air handler unit plays a crucial role in the HVAC system by circulating and conditioning the air to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

What is the difference between an AC and an air handler?

The main difference between an air conditioner (AC) and an air handler lies in their functions within the HVAC system. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

• Function: An air conditioner is responsible for cooling the air by removing heat and moisture from it. It cools the air using a compressor and refrigerant, and then circulates the cooled air back into the building. On the other hand, an air handler is a component of the HVAC system that helps circulate and distribute conditioned air throughout the building.

• Components: An AC unit consists of a compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, and a fan to cool and distribute the air. It is a standalone unit that is typically located outside the building. An air handler, however, contains a blower fan, heating and cooling elements (such as coils), filters, and dampers. It is typically located indoors, often in an attic, basement, or utility closet.

• Functionality: An AC unit primarily focuses on cooling the air, while the air handler works in conjunction with other components (such as a furnace or heat pump) to circulate and condition the air throughout the building. The air handler can be used for both cooling and heating purposes, depending on the setup of the HVAC system.

While an AC unit is dedicated to cooling the air, an air handler’s primary role is to distribute and condition the air throughout the building, working in collaboration with other HVAC components.

Do all HVAC units have an air handler?

No, not all HVAC units have an air handler. The presence of an air handler depends on the specific configuration and type of HVAC system installed. Here are a few scenarios:

• Split System: A common type of HVAC system is the split system, which consists of an outdoor unit (condenser/compressor) and an indoor unit (air handler or furnace). In this case, the air handler is typically part of the indoor unit, and it helps distribute the conditioned air throughout the building.

• Packaged Unit: Some HVAC systems, known as packaged units, combine all the components (including the air handler, compressor, and heat exchanger) into a single unit installed outside the building. The packaged unit eliminates the need for a separate air handler indoors.

• Ductless Mini-Split: Ductless mini-split systems do not have a central air handler. Instead, individual air handling units, also known as indoor units or evaporators, are installed in different zones or rooms. These units directly deliver conditioned air to their respective areas.

The presence of an air handler in an HVAC unit depends on the system type. While many HVAC systems incorporate an air handler, there are also systems that utilize different configurations to distribute conditioned air throughout the building.