Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re searching for heating and cooling services, you may find confusing, sometimes contradictory information about various kinds of HVAC systems. One thing that creates 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 component 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, depending on the application. 

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

Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler? 

Normally, an air conditioner uses 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 operates in conjunction with the outside unit, referred to 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 into the building via ductwork. Refrigerant lines link the air handler to the outdoor condenser, enabling the heat transfer to the outside. This enables air conditioning to preserve a constant, cozy 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 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 as of late. With no furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps will need a dedicated air handler to move conditioned air. 

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it inside using the indoor coil. The air handler blows air across the coil to obtain heat before circulating it all over 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 come with a blower motor to move conditioned air. The blower is commonly housed inside 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 create 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 basic parts of an air handler include: 

• Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that disperses air by way of the ductwork. It forces 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 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 depending on system requirements. Remember to swap out your air filter regularly 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 operated to direct air to particular rooms as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. 
• Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers include a humidifier or dehumidifier, which manages the indoor relative humidity level. A humidifier adds moisture into the air in the winter, while a dehumidifier takes out moisture in the summer. 
• Control system: The control system is tasked with 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 experiencing issues with your air conditioner, air handler or other HVAC components, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our crew of Expert professionals can diagnose and repair any problems with your climate control system, making sure it runs safely and efficiently. We believe in our excellent work so much that we guarantee all repairs 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 in your neighborhood today.