Air conditioners house numerous parts, each of which significantly impacts the unit’s balance between performance and comfort. For example, air handling units are central components that keep the unit working smoothly throughout the seasonal shifts.
What does an air handling unit do? Learn more below from Fast Air Heating & Cooling, a team that specializes in air handler services in Ocala, FL. Our experienced crew also outlines how you can care for this HVAC component better.
What Is an Air Handling Unit?
What does an air handling unit do? Let’s explore what an air handling unit is first.
The air conditioner’s AHU contains individual modules that house various components. Those modules typically oversee a specific building zone, moderating temperature and airflow for that room or zone. If you were to peek into your AHU, you’d find:
- Cooling and heating coils shift indoor temperatures.
- Blower motors and fans take in and push air through the duct network.
- Filter racks hold the mesh in place for trapping allergens and pollutants.
Small AHUs may only have one or two modules and are frequently found on modest residential buildings. Commercial buildings may feature large, towering structures with numerous modules connected to various areas.
So, how does an AHU work? What exactly do the components of an AHU do to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures in Ocala, Florida? Keep reading to learn more.
What Does an Air Handling Unit Do To Keep Your Ocala Residence Comfortable?
As you might have deduced, the primary air handler unit function is to receive air, change its temperature, and push it back out into your building’s ductwork. The air handler is also responsible for several smaller but equally essential tasks, which we list below.
Air Circulation
What does an air handling unit do for your comfort? Its first order of business is circulating conditioned air. The unit sucks air in and pushes it back into your ductwork, where it travels through the network with the help of the blower motor.
Once the thermostat detects the desired temperature, it signals the motor to halt. The AHU will initiate the motor again if the temperature deviates from your settings.
Temperature Management
This is where the heating and cooling coils come in. The AHU regulates temperature according to the thermostat’s signals.
When you input your preferred settings, the device informs the AHU about which coil set to use. For instance, you may choose heating if you’re dealing with a particularly nippy winter’s day in Ocala, Florida. In response, the AHU will power up the heating coils so that the air warms up on its way to the duct entry.
Humidity Control
Did you know that advanced AHUs can moderate humidity levels within your building? Some equipment features steamers, sprayers, or evaporators, which come in handy when your HVAC setting makes your indoor air too dry or damp.
Humidification devices add moisture to the passing air to bring it back up to a comfortable percentage. Dehumidifiers remove moisture to balance your indoor air quality.
Air Filtration
What does an air handling unit do besides comfort regulation and airflow management? Filters play an influential role in the AHU airflow process.
The air passes through a series of filters, which catch particles as the air passes through them. Those particles make your indoor air dirty and can trigger allergic reactions or sinus inflammation. In that sense, your AHU’s performance can impact your health as well as your comfort.
How Can You Keep Your Air Handling Unit in Perfect Working Order?
As you can see, the AHU is the heart and soul of your HVAC system’s performance. Our AHU troubleshooting guide offers these tips so that you know when to schedule air handler unit services in Ocala, Florida:
- Repair duct problems. Leaky or obstructed ducts and vents limit air handling unit efficiency.
- Monitor thermostat responsiveness. The thermostat communicates with the air handler. Errors mean the AHU won’t receive the correct information.
- Notice cycle lengths. Cycles should last ten to 20 minutes. Any more or less, and you’re looking at increased air conditioning repairs and utility expenses.
If something goes wrong with this part of the system, it can significantly impact your health, comfort, indoor air quality, and energy bills. Don’t wait long to schedule HVAC repairs.
Schedule Speedy HVAC Maintenance From Fast Air Heating & Cooling in Ocala, Florida
What does an air handling unit do? Well, most common HVAC systems can’t do their jobs without it!
If you’re in Ocala, Florida, call Fast Air Heating & Cooling to maintain and service air handlers and more.