What Does the Air Handler Do for My System?

Do you have a split heating and cooling system in your home? If so, you’re likely familiar with the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner – but one critical piece of equipment you may not know much about is the air handler. Air handlers are essential to any force air HVAC system, as they deliver conditioned air into your home.

What is the air handler?

The air handler looks like a large, sheet metal box. It is typically located inside the home, with the furnace. In fact, many mistake the air handler for part of the furnace, which is why the air handler may go unrecognized. The air handler’s cabinet contains the air filter, blower, and evaporator coils. Some air handlers may also contain electric heating strips.

What does the air handler do?

The air handler is the HVAC system component which actually moves the conditioned air into your home. Its blower forces the hot or cooled air into the ductwork, which is connected to the air handler, on in to your living areas.

Your system’s air filter is also contained within the air handler. Once air is heated or cooled, the blower will force it through the air filter, where contaminant particles are trapped. The filtered air then moves on to the ducts.

Types of air handlers

Air handlers may have blowers which are single speed or variable speed. With a single speed air handler blower, conditioned air is moved into your home at a constant rate of speed. A variable speed air handler blower motor operates at varying levels, depending on the heating and cooling requirements of the home. The blower can use less energy when appropriate instead of operating at full speed, offering energy savings as well as more even temperatures throughout the home.

Air handler maintenance

Air handlers must be maintained just as like your heating and cooling systems to ensure optimal performance. Maintenance for the air handler is included when you have your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner professionally serviced by an HVAC technician before heating and cooling season. Maintenance will help the air handler work properly to eliminate excess energy use and to avoid repairs, extending its service life.

For friendly and professional advice on the sales, service and maintenance of HVAC equipment; contact Parkers Heating and Cooling today or call us at 615-355-9137.