Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re looking for heating and cooling services, you may come across confusing, sometimes contradictory information about various kinds of HVAC systems. One component that garners 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 part of some models of HVAC systems. It attaches to a network of air ducts that deliver conditioned air through the building. Air handlers range in size, type and capacity, depending 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 a number of other elements, all of which function 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 needed. However, in climates where home heating is not something that is necessary, an air conditioner may be the sole HVAC equipment present. In this situation, the indoor air handler runs along with the outdoors unit, referred to as the condenser.  

In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler blows indoor air across the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to deliver cooled, dehumidified air back into the building using ductwork. Refrigerant lines link the air handler to the outdoor condenser, facilitating the heat transfer to the outside. This will permit the 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 frequently found. In cold climates where heat pumps are less dependable, they are occasionally installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s called a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less popular as of late. Because there is no furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps will need a dedicated air handler to move conditioned air. 

Heat pumps work by removing heat from the outside air and moving it inside using the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to obtain heat before circulating it through the building. A heat pump can even be used for cooling, where it pulls heat from the indoor air and transfers it outside, just like an air conditioner. 

Does a Furnace Use an Air Handler? 

No. Furnaces are equipped with a blower motor to move conditioned air. The blower is most likely housed in the interior of the furnace. It forces air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that moves 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 heated, the air spreads back through the ductwork system and inside the building. 

What Are the Parts of an Air Handler? 

The main parts of an air handler include: 

• Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that circulates 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 have, 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 contaminants from the air as it enters the air handler to be heated or cooled. Air filter types and efficiency ratings vary depending on system requirements. Remember to change your air filter routinely to protect against 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 powered to direct air to specific rooms as desired to maintain a comfortable temperature. 
• Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers contain a humidifier or dehumidifier, which controls the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier infuses moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier takes out 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 throughout 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 & Plumbing can help. Our crew of Expert professionals can diagnose and repair any problems with your climate control system, so that it runs safely and efficiently. We believe in our excellent 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 the U.S., please phone a Service Experts office in your area today.