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If you're asking, "What is an air handler?" you'll be happy to know we have the answer.
Although air handlers work simultaneously alongside heat pumps and air conditioners for a more efficient HVAC system, they all have different functions. We'll explore precisely what an air handler is and how an expert HVAC company in Grafton can help you decide if an air handler is correct for you.
An air handler largely resembles a furnace and is even a cased unit, just like a furnace. Most homeowners' air handler is an indoor unit consisting of evaporator coils, a blower, and ventilation parts, including an air filter.
Your air handler is a crucial component of your HVAC system that works alongside your heat pump or air conditioner. Most air handlers are linked to already established ductwork, which transfers conditioned air throughout your home, giving it back to your air handler.
Your air handler then takes this cool air (due to your evaporator coils removing its heat) and transfers it throughout the ducts in your home. This process is the primary function of your air handler and is an excellent asset to your HVAC cooling and heating system.
There are also many different sizes of air handlers fit for other properties. For example, your typically small unit often only has a blower, evaporator coils, and an air filter. These air handlers are sometimes called fan coil units, terminal units, or blower coils.
There are also larger air handlers called makeup air units (MAU). This air handler only conditions outside air instead of recirculating inside air.
An air handler only designed for outdoor use is called a rooftop unit. This outdoor unit is typically located on the roof, as the name suggests. This outdoor unit is mainly for commercial use.
When asking, "What is an air handler?" many people question the difference between an air conditioner and an air handler. Sometimes these two terms are even used interchangeably, but while both an air conditioner and air handler work together, they have very different functions.
The main difference is that an air conditioner cools your air by extracting heat, while an air handler transfers this cool air throughout your house. This confusion is that both units have coils, but an air handler can't function properly without an air conditioner.
A furnace gets powered by oil, gas, or electricity to produce heat, and its blower distributes hot air throughout a residence. Creating and distributing hot air means that you generally won't need an air handler when you have a furnace.
Instead of being used alongside furnaces, air handlers often accompany heat pumps. Heat pumps are an alternative to furnaces and are more efficient. They transport heat from outside into your home while your air handler distributes this heat.
Although some air handlers do have their heating system, they best work as a way to regulate your indoor air versus being a source of heat.
If you have a traditional gas, electricity, or oil furnace, you probably won't need an air handler.
However, if you have or are considering an alternative such as an electric heat pump, investing in an air handler is a smart move. Some heat pump and air conditioner systems already come with an air handler.
Besides what type of HVAC system you have, another factor determining whether you need an air handler is where you live. Colder climate homes typically use a furnace, meaning an air handler isn't necessary.
Warmer climates that don't experience a lot of cold temperatures often don't use furnaces. Instead, they opt for heat pumps due to their efficiency. Southern regions use heat pumps more often than northern regions, for example.
If you're using a heat pump, you'll want to pair it with an air handler as it can reduce wear and tear and extend your HVAC system's longevity.
Knowing the answer to "What is an air handler?" also requires knowing how to troubleshoot issues. While air handlers are durable, nothing lasts forever. Signs you might need to replace your air handler are:
An air handler is an integral part of your HVAC system, which works alongside your air conditioner and heat pump. Its primary function is to circulate cool or warm air throughout your home, and it can be a significant investment that'll make your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Let our team answer, "What is an air handler?" and help you learn more about air conditioning maintenance when you give us a call today at 262-218-2636!
When you connect with us, you choose commercial electrical services in Port Washington, WI, that keep you plugged into the local power grid. Reach out to us for any electrical issue, like an appliance not working after a power outage or automation integrations that simplify business ownership. Call 262-218-2636 to book a service today.
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