Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re searching for heating and cooling services, you may find confusing, sometimes contradictory information about a variety of HVAC systems. One thing that garners quite a bit of confusion is the air handler. Is this the same as 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 types of HVAC systems. It hooks up to a network of air ducts that circulate conditioned air throughout the building. Air handlers differ in size, type and capacity, depending on the application. 

Some consumers use the words “air handler” and “blower” interchangeably, but this is not right. An air handler is an entire unit containing a blower and several other elements, all of which work 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 necessary. However, in climates where home heating is not needed in a home or commercial property, an air conditioner may be the only HVAC equipment present. In this situation, the indoor air handler works in conjunction with the outdoor unit, called 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 distribute cooled, dehumidified air back to the building through ductwork. Refrigerant lines connect the air handler to the outdoor condenser, enabling 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 effective, they are at times 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 typical these days. 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 extracting heat from the outside air and moving it inside using 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 moves 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 usually housed inside the furnace. It pushes 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 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 components of an air handler include: 

• Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that disperses air through the ductwork. It moves 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 installed in your home, 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 flows into the air handler to be heated or cooled. Air filter types and efficiency ratings vary according to the system requirements. Remember to change your air filter routinely to prevent restricting airflow through the system. 
• Dampers: Dampers are used to control airflow in structures with zoned heating and cooling. They can be manually or automatically powered to direct air to specific rooms as necessary 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 gets rid of moisture in the summer. 
• Control system: The control system is a way to regulate the air handler. It might include a thermostat, humidistat or other sensors to track 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 you out. Our squad 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 stand behind each and every repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to schedule air conditioning repair in the U.S., please contact a Service Experts office in your area today.