Most people have probably heard the term “air handler” but are not sure what it is. The fact is that air handlers are a critical part of modern HVAC systems, so it’s in your best interest to know a little bit about them. With that in mind, the team at Fast Air Heating & Cooling is here to answer the question, “What is an air handler?” and discuss how they work.
Contact us today to schedule top-ranking air handler services in Ocala, FL!
What Is an Air Handler?
An air handler is an HVAC component that primarily works to control the flow of air in your home. Air handlers contain several components that facilitate air handling, such as evaporating coils, blower fans, ventilation, and an air filter.
Your air handler is not the same as your air conditioning, although that is a common mistake many people make. Air handlers work with air conditioners to move air through the house, but they are not themselves the unit that creates cold air.
What Does an Air Handler Do?
The air handler is responsible for moving air through your system. Air handlers connect to ducts, and their fans and blowers force air through those ducts to the various rooms of your home. You can differentiate air handlers by the number of stages it has:
- Single-stage handlers have one setting for moving air.
- Multi-stage handlers use multiple high- and low-speed levels to meet heating and cooling requirements.
- Variable-speed handlers adjust air speed in real time to precisely match heating and cooling needs.
There are also rooftop air handler units, though these are almost always used for commercial buildings, not residential ones.
Parts of an Air Handler
Now that you know the answer to, “What is an air handler?” we can talk about its core components.
Blower
The blower contains the main fan and is what does most of the work in distributing air. The blower pulls air into your house from the intake ducts, moves it through the handler array, and forces the changed air into the delivery vents.
Evaporator Coils
The air handler also contains evaporator coils. The evaporator coils contain pressurized coolant fluid that extracts heat from the untreated air the blower forces through the handler array. Evaporator coils also remove moisture from the air, so they play an important role in humidity regulation. Condenser coils are usually in the outdoor AC unit.
Air Filter
The air filter catches and removes particles, such as dust, dirt, pet dander, soot, pollen, and more. The filter not only improves overall air quality in your home but also keeps the interior of your system from getting covered in dust and dirt that causes damage.
Dampers
Your air handler may also contain dampers — plates that control the direction and intensity of airflow. Dampers can open and close, which affects noise levels and the volume of air. Dampers control air distribution to make sure your home receives even cooling.
What Does an Air Handler Look Like?
An air handler looks like a large, encased unit and is typically installed in your attic, garage, crawlspace, or utility closet. It may look like a furnace, although there are important differences between the two. Most of the time, the unit connects to your ductwork on both sides and on top.
Air Handler vs. Furnace
If your home has a gas, electric, or oil furnace, then odds are you don’t have and don’t need an air handler. HVAC systems with a dedicated furnace typically use the same blower fan the furnace does to move all the air.
As such, air handlers are much more common with heat pumps and other alternative heating systems. Some air handlers include a heating system in the casing, but these are less common and not as efficient. Air handlers are best for circulating air through your home and not as a source of hot air.
Benefits of Air Handlers
Below are just a handful of the benefits of investing in a home air handler.
Better Ventilation
Air handlers are all about air circulation, so they keep the air in your home from getting stagnant and improve air quality. HVACs without air handlers can have difficulties circulating air because they don’t have a dedicated unit.
Reduced Noise
Traditional split cooling and heating systems without an air handler turn on and off separately, so they can produce a lot of noise. Air handlers have longer cycles, so the HVAC turns on and off less frequently, producing less noise.
Energy Efficiency
The constant airflow from a handler minimizes energy usage, so you end up spending less on heating and cooling bills. Also, air handlers usually pair with heat pump systems, which are typically more energy-efficient than traditional gas or electric furnaces.
Lower Humidity
The evaporator coils in an air handler also regulate moisture. Coolant fluid extracts heat and moisture, leaving behind dry and comfortable cold air for your house.
Signs You Need Air Handler Repairs
If you have an air handler and notice any of the following signs, consider contacting an HVAC professional for repairs:
- Airflow from your vents is either weak or non-existent since low airflow is a sign that your air handler motor is having issues.
- Your air conditioner keeps freezing up during the summer, which is a sign you need to change your filter or clean your evaporator coils.
- You notice high energy bills.
- Your current air handler is more than 15 years old.
Air Handler Repair Services in Ocala
The air handler is a core component of an air conditioning and heat pump system, so don’t neglect to fix it promptly when you run into issues. If you have any more questions similar to, “What is an air handler?” or need heat pump or conventional AC unit repairs, contact Fast Air Heating & Cooling online or call today to schedule an appointment with an HVAC professional. We’re ready to provide you with the help you need.