Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re looking for heating and cooling services, you may come across confusing, sometimes contradictory information about different HVAC systems. One element that causes plenty of confusion is the air handler. Is this another way to describe an air conditioner? We’re here to help sort this out.

What Is an Air Handler?

An air handler is the indoor component of some models of HVAC systems. It links to a network of air ducts that distribute conditioned air through the building. Air handlers vary in size, type and capacity, depending on the application.

Some people use the words “air handler” and “blower” interchangeably, but this is not correct. An air handler is an entire unit containing a blower and a number of other elements, all of which operate together to condition and circulate the air.

Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler?

Normally, an air conditioner [shares|uses|utilizes} the furnace’s blower motor, so no air handler is needed. However, in climates where home heating is not something that is necessary, an air conditioner may be the lone HVAC equipment present. In this case, the indoor air handler works along with the outdoors unit, called the condenser.

In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler [blows|forces|pushes} indoor air [across|over|along the outside of} the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to distribute cooled, dehumidified air back into the building via ductwork. Refrigerant lines connect the air handler to the outdoor condenser, facilitating the heat transfer to the outside. This makes it possible for the air conditioning to uphold a constant, comfy indoor temperature and humidity level.

Does a Heat Pump Use an Air Handler?

This is where air handlers are most typically found. In cold climates where heat pumps are less reliable, they are at times installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s called a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less prevalent in recent times. Because there is no furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps will need a dedicated air handler to circulate conditioned air.

Heat pumps work by pulling heat from the outside air and shifting it inside via the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to acquire heat before circulating it inside the building. A heat pump can even be used for cooling, where it pulls heat from the indoor air and moves it outside, just like an air conditioner.

Does a Furnace Use an Air Handler?

No. Furnaces are equipped with a blower motor to circulate conditioned air. The blower is typically located inside the furnace. It blows air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that transfers heat from a fuel source to the air blowing past it. The fuel source can be natural gas, propane or oil, which is ignited to generate heat. Once warmed, the air is dispersed 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 circulates air through the ductwork. It moves air across the heating or cooling elements to control the indoor temperature.

• • Heating or cooling elements: Depending on the type of HVAC system you have installed in your home, the air handler may contain heating or cooling elements, including an evaporator coil or backup electric heat strip.

• • Air filter: An HVAC air filter eliminates dust, dirt and other impurities 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 change your air filter regularly to avoid restricting airflow through the system.

• • Dampers: Dampers are used to control airflow in properties with zoned heating and cooling. They can be manually or automatically operated to direct air to certain rooms as desired to uphold a comfortable temperature.

• • Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers include a humidifier or dehumidifier, which regulates the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier puts moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier takes out moisture in the summer.

• • Control system: The control system is a way to regulate the air handler. It sometimes will include a thermostat, humidistat or other sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity in 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 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 excellent work so much that we back every single repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to request air conditioning repair in North America, please reach out to a Service Experts office near you today.