Air Conditioner vs. Air Handler

If you’re looking for heating and cooling services, you may encounter confusing, sometimes contradictory information about different HVAC systems. One element that creates a lot of confusion is the air handler. Is this another way to describe an air conditioner? We’re here to clear things up. 

What Is an Air Handler? 

An air handler is the indoor part of some kinds of HVAC systems. It links to a network of air ducts that circulate conditioned air through the building. Air handlers range in size, type and capacity, based on the application. 

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

Does an Air Conditioner Use an Air Handler? 

Usually, an air conditioner utilizes the furnace’s blower motor, so no air handler is required. However, in climates where home heating is not required, an air conditioner may be the sole HVAC equipment present. In this case, the indoor air handler runs in tandem with the outside unit, called the condenser.  

In this setup, the AC unit’s air handler pushes indoor air across the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and collects moisture, leaving the air handler to deliver cooled, dehumidified air back to the building through ductwork. Refrigerant lines attach the air handler to the outdoor condenser, facilitating the heat transfer to the outside. This allows air conditioning to uphold a constant, comfortable indoor temperature and humidity level. 

Does a Heat Pump Use an Air Handler? 

This is where air handlers are most commonly found. In cold climates where heat pumps are less reliable, they are at times installed alongside furnaces, creating what’s called a dual-fuel system. However, advancements in cold-climate heat pumps make dual-fuel systems less common these days. Without a furnace to lend its blower motor, heat pumps need a dedicated air handler to disperse 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 inside the building. A heat pump can even be used for cooling, where it extracts heat from the indoor air and transfers it outside, just like an air conditioner. 

Does a Furnace Use an Air Handler? 

No. Furnaces are equipped with a blower motor to circulate conditioned air. The blower is typically located within the furnace. It forces air across the heat exchanger, a metal component that exchanges heat from a fuel source to the air blowing past it. The fuel source can be natural gas, propane or oil, which is ignited to create heat. Once heated, the air is dispersed back through the ductwork system and inside the building. 

What Are the Parts of an Air Handler? 

The main components of an air handler include: 

  • Blower: The blower is a motor-driven fan that disperses air within the ductwork. It forces air across the heating or cooling elements to regulate the indoor temperature. 
  • Heating or cooling elements: Depending on the type of HVAC system you own, the air handler may contain heating or cooling elements, including an evaporator coil or backup electric heat strip. 
  • Air filter: An HVAC air filter takes 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 based on system requirements. Remember to replace your air filter routinely to avoid 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 controlled to direct air to specific rooms as necessary to uphold a comfortable temperature. 
  • Humidifier or dehumidifier: Some air handlers contain a humidifier or dehumidifier, which controls 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 a way to regulate the air handler. It may include a thermostat, humidistat or other sensors to keep track of the temperature and humidity throughout the building. 

Schedule Air Conditioner or Air Handler Repair 

If you’re having issues with your air conditioner, air handler or other HVAC components, Stevenson Service Experts can help out. Our crew of experienced professionals can diagnose and repair any problems with your climate control system, making sure it runs safely and efficiently. We believe in our exceptional work so much that we stand behind every repair with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! For more information or to request air conditioning repair in Columbus, please phone a Service Experts office in your neighborhood today.