Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re hunting for heating and cooling services, you may encounter confusing, sometimes contradictory information about a variety of HVAC systems. One component that garners a lot 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 part of some types of HVAC systems. It hooks up to a network of air ducts that circulate conditioned air through the building. Air handlers range in size, type and capacity, dependent on the application. 

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

Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler? 

Normally, an air conditioner shares the furnace’s blower motor, so no air handler is necessary. However, in climates where home heating is not required, an air conditioner may be the only HVAC equipment present. In this case, the indoor air handler works in tandem with the outside unit, known as the condenser.  

In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler forces indoor air over the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to circulate cooled, dehumidified air back to the building using ductwork. Refrigerant lines connect the air handler to the outdoor condenser, facilitating the heat transfer to the outside. This enables air conditioning to uphold 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 occasionally installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s referred to as a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less popular in recent times. Without a furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps need a dedicated air handler to circulate conditioned air. 

Heat pumps work by pulling heat from the outside air and moving it inside through the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to collect heat before circulating it throughout the building. A heat pump can additionally be used for cooling, where it retrieves 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 usually located within the furnace. It blows air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that exchanges 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 produce heat. Once warmed up, the air is distributed back through the ductwork system and into the building. 

What Are the Parts of an Air Handler? 

The major parts of an air handler include: 

• Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that circulates air throughout the ductwork. It forces air across the heating or cooling elements to regulate the indoor temperature. 
• Heating or cooling elements: Depending on the type of HVAC system you own, the air handler may include heating or cooling elements, including an evaporator coil or backup electric heat strip. 

• Air filter: An HVAC air filter takes dust, dirt and other airborne debris from the air as it goes into the air handler to be heated or cooled. Air filter types and efficiency ratings vary according to the system requirements. Remember to replace your air filter on a regular basis to prevent restricting airflow through the system. 
• Dampers: Dampers are used to control airflow in buildings with zoned heating and cooling. They can be manually or automatically operated to direct air to specific rooms as desired to uphold a comfortable temperature. 
• Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers contain a humidifier or dehumidifier, which manages the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier infuses moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier removes moisture in the summer. 
• Control system: The control system is a way to regulate the air handler. It may 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 you out. Our staff of talented professionals 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 back each and every repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to set your home up air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale, please contact a Service Experts office near you today.