Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re hunting for heating and cooling services, you may come across confusing, sometimes contradictory information about a variety of HVAC systems. One thing that creates quite a bit of confusion is the air handler. Is this another way to describe an air conditioner? We’re here to clear things up. 

What Is an Air Handler? 

An air handler is the indoor part of some types of HVAC systems. It attaches to a network of air ducts that distribute conditioned air all through the building. Air handlers range in size, type and capacity, based on the application. 

Some consumers use the jargon of “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 components, all of which function together to condition and circulate the air. 

Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler? 

Usually, an air conditioner shares 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 lone HVAC equipment present. In this situation, the indoor air handler runs along with the outside unit, referred to as the condenser.  

In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler blows indoor air over the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to deliver cooled, dehumidified air back to the building through ductwork. Refrigerant lines attach the air handler to the outdoor condenser, assisting with the heat transfer to the outside. This enables air conditioning to maintain 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 dependable, 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 common in recent times. Without a furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps will need a dedicated air handler to disperse conditioned air. 

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and shifting it inside through 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 transmits it outside, just like an air conditioner. 

Does a Furnace Use an Air Handler? 

No. Furnaces are equipped with a blower motor to distribute conditioned air. The blower is commonly housed within the furnace. It forces air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that transfers heat from a fuel source to the air blowing across it. The fuel source can be natural gas, propane or oil, which is ignited to generate heat. Once warmed up, the air circulates back through the ductwork system and back into the building. 

What Are the Parts of an Air Handler? 

The main components of an air handler include: 

• Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that moves air through the ductwork. It moves air across the heating or cooling elements to manage the indoor temperature. 
• Heating or cooling elements: Depending on the type of HVAC system you have installed in your home, 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 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 on a regular basis to prevent 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 controlled to direct air to specific rooms as desired to keep a comfortable temperature. 
• Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers include a humidifier or dehumidifier, which regulates the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier infuses moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier gets rid of moisture in the summer. 
• Control system: The control system is responsible for regulating the air handler. It may include a thermostat, humidistat or other sensors to gauge 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 you out. Our squad of talented techs can diagnose and repair any problems with your climate control system, making sure it runs safely and efficiently. We believe in our exceptional work so much that we stand behind each and every repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to request air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale, please phone a Service Experts office in your neighborhood today.