Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re looking for heating and cooling services, you may find confusing, sometimes contradictory information about a variety of HVAC systems. One component that causes plenty of confusion is the air handler. Is this another way to describe an air conditioner? We’re here to set the record straight. 

What Is an Air Handler? 

An air handler is the indoor portion of some kinds of HVAC systems. It connects to a network of air ducts that deliver conditioned air inside the building. Air handlers vary in size, type and capacity, based on the application. 

Some people 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 elements, all of which operate together to condition and circulate the air. 

Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler? 

Usually, an air conditioner uses the furnace’s blower motor, so no air handler is required. However, in environments where home heating is not needed in a home or commercial property, an air conditioner may be the sole HVAC equipment present. In this case, the indoor air handler runs in conjunction with the outside unit, known 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 circulate cooled, dehumidified air back inside the building via ductwork. Refrigerant lines link the air handler to the outdoor condenser, assisting with the heat transfer to the outside. This allows air conditioning to uphold a constant, comfortable indoor temperature and humidity level. 

Does a Heat Pump Use an Air Handler? 

This is where air handlers are most commonly found. In cold climates where heat pumps are less reliable, they are sometimes installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s known as a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less prevalent in recent times. Without a furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps need a dedicated air handler to disperse conditioned air. 

Heat pumps work by pulling heat from the outside air and transferring it inside via the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to obtain heat before circulating it throughout the building. A heat pump can also be used for cooling, where it extracts 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 commonly found within 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 create heat. Once warmed up, the air spreads back through the ductwork system and inside the building. 

What Are the Parts of an Air Handler? 

The basic pieces of an air handler include: 

• Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that disperses air through the ductwork. It forces air across the heating or cooling elements to regulate the indoor temperature. 
• Heating or cooling elements: Based on the type of HVAC system you have, the air handler may include 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 flows into 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 routinely 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 controlled to direct air to particular rooms as necessary to keep a comfortable temperature. 
• Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers contain a humidifier or dehumidifier, which manages the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier adds 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 keep track of 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 & Plumbing is here to help out. Our team of experienced technicians can diagnose and repair any problems with your climate control system, making sure it runs safely and efficiently. We believe in our exemplary work so much that we back every single repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to set your home up air conditioning repair in the U.S., please contact a Service Experts office near you today.