What Does an Air Handler Do?

Have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes to keep your home or business comfortable? It’s easy to take for granted the work that goes into controlling the temperature and air quality in our indoor spaces. One key component of HVAC systems that often gets overlooked is the air handler. But what is an air handler, and what does an air handler do? We’ll dive into the details and explain how air handlers work to keep your space comfortable and healthy.

What Is an Air Handler?

An air handler is a crucial component of a split HVAC system that is used with a heat pump HVAC system. It is responsible for moving air through the ductwork and into your indoor space. But it does more than just handle air – it also conditions it, filtering out pollutants and controlling humidity levels to keep you comfortable. An air handler typically consists of a blower, coils, and filter. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components.

Blower

The blower is the heart of the air handler. It is responsible for moving air through the system, drawing in air and circulating it through filters and ductwork. The blower motor is typically powered by electricity and can be adjusted to control the volume of air that is moved through the system. This is what allows you to control the temperature and airflow in your space.

Coils

The coils are what actually condition the air before it is circulated into the ducts. In a heat pump heating system, the air is warmed by passing over the evaporator coil and absorbing heat energy from the refrigerant within. When cooling a home, the air is cooled by passing over a cold coil, which extracts heat from the air to lower its temperature. Some air handlers even contain electric heating elements for backup heating with a heat pump system.

Filters

Filters are an essential part of any air handling system. They are designed to clean and purify the air, removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, and mold. Filters come in various sizes and types, from basic fiberglass filters to high-efficiency filters that can capture even the tiniest particles. It’s important to change your air filter regularly to ensure that your air handler is functioning at peak efficiency.

Where Is an Air Handler Installed?

Air handlers can be installed in a variety of locations, depending on the size of the space and the specific needs of the building. They are typically located in the attic, basement, or utility room, where they can be easily accessed for maintenance and repair. In larger buildings, multiple air handlers may be needed to accommodate the size of the space and the number of occupants.

What Does an Air Handler Do Besides Handling Air?

As we mentioned earlier, an air handler does more than just handle air. It also conditions the air, filtering out pollutants and controlling humidity levels to keep you comfortable. In addition, some air handlers are equipped with advanced features that can further enhance your indoor air quality. For example, some models include UV lights that are designed to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, while others have built-in humidifiers or dehumidifiers to control the moisture levels in the space.

Contact Robinson for HVAC Service in Middletown, OH

An air handler may not be the most glamorous part of your heating and air conditioning system, but it is certainly one of the most important. It handles the air that keeps you comfortable and healthy, filtering out pollutants and controlling humidity levels to create a safe and comfortable indoor environment. We hope this blog has shed some light on what an air handler does and how it works. If you have any questions about upgrading your air handler, don’t hesitate to contact us at Robinson Heating & Air Conditioning.