What Is an Air Handler? - Its Function and Importance

Everybody knows an air conditioner is the best way to cool your home. However, few people are familiar with air handlers and what they do. You may be wondering, “What is an air handler?” or “Do I need one?”. We’re here to fill you in on air handlers, what they do, and why they’re important.

What Is an Air Handler?

The most common misconception about air handlers is that they are the same as air conditioners. The truth is that air conditioners and air handlers work in tandem to cool your home. The air conditioning experts in Westwood from Gladiator Services are here to fill you in.

The air handler is a furnace-like device containing a blower, evaporator coils, and ventilation components. The air conditioner’s refrigerant coil cools the air so that the air handler can send it through the ductwork in your home. This process takes much of the workload off the air conditioner, making your HVAC system more energy-efficient.

Because an air handler can also connect to your heat pump, it is the perfect appliance for keeping heated or cooled air flowing through your home all year. 

Is an Air Handler the Same as an Air Conditioner?

The air conditioner and the air handler work together. An air conditioner pulls hot air out of your home and runs it through the refrigerant coil. 

Most people believe an air conditioner only blows cool air into their home. However, the AC unit is only so effective because it first takes the hot air away. It cools that air and recycles it back into the home.

The air handler is responsible for pulling the warm air into the AC unit, purifying the air through an air filter, and distributing it through the house via the pre-existing ductwork. 

Without the air handler, the AC unit would be far less efficient. It would take much longer to cool your home and require a lot more energy to do so.

Is an Air Handler Also a Furnace?

Air handlers and furnaces look very similar and perform similar duties, making it easy for people to confuse one for the other.

Furnace heat is the typical way older homes control warmth. A furnace is an appliance that runs on gas, electricity, or oil. The furnace generates heat in the burner and sends the warmed air out via a blower into the house’s ductwork.

An air handler sends air through the ductwork but is not responsible for heating and cooling air. Air handlers typically connect to electric heat pumps for heating purposes. You may not need an air handler if your home has a furnace.

If you’re considering replacing your furnace with a more energy-efficient option like a heat pump, an air handler is a must-have addition to your HVAC setup.

Different Kinds of Air Handlers

There is more than one kind of air handler. The type of air handler you need depends on the space you’re working with regarding airflow. 

If you’re trying to control the temperature of an office building or factory, you’ll want a larger outdoor air handler. Conversely, you may only need a smaller basic model if you live in a small home or apartment. Professionals sometimes refer to smaller, simpler air handlers by other names. These are:

• Blower coils
• Terminal units
• Fan coil units

Do I Need an Air Handler?

Air handlers are great for conserving energy and extending the life of your air conditioner. If you have a split system air conditioning setup, it’s best to have an air handler. 

Most people who live in warmer climates need a split system AC setup. Those who live in places that are warm year-round will want to consider this option.

If you have a split system HVAC setup that uses an electric heat pump, an air handler is perfect for circulating the warmed air throughout your home.

If you live in a colder climate and require more heat to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, you’d benefit more from a gas furnace than a heat pump. In this case, an air handler is likely not necessary.

Do I Need to Replace My Air Handler?

People who mistake air handlers for air conditioners or furnaces may not even realize they have one in their homes. This can lead to problems when diagnosing issues with their heating and cooling systems.

If you have ever asked yourself, “What is an air handler?” before reading this article, you’re probably not very familiar with your home’s current setup. Getting to know your system can help. If you have an air handler connected to your HVAC system, it’s best to know when it might need replacing.

Some of the telltale signs are:

• Soaring energy bills: If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy costs, this could be due to an issue with your HVAC system. The most likely culprit is a problem with the air handler or one of the other components.
• Low airflow: If you notice that your vents aren’t producing the normal airflow, the blower motor may be faulty. It may only need cleaning, but a malfunctioning blower motor requires immediate action to repair or replace it. If you don’t address the issue promptly, it could further damage your HVAC system, leading to even more expensive repairs.
• Ice on your air conditioner: If you’re noticing ice on your AC unit, this could be due to a dirty air filter in your air handler. Replacing a dirty filter is simple, but more serious issues like a refrigerant leak could be lurking in your system.

Gladiator Services

HVAC issues can get expensive if you don’t address them quickly. If you’re curious about air handler repair or installation, Gladiator services in Hillsdale, NJ, is here for you. We proudly serve clients throughout the North Jersey area. Click our link to learn about the best AC temperature during the summer, and call us at 201-903-9784 for all questions and concerns about your HVAC system today!