Air Handler Vs. Air Conditioner
When it comes to cooling your home, terms like 'air handler' and 'air conditioner' can often be confusing. What are they, and what sets them apart?
An air handler and an air conditioner are different components of an HVAC system, serving distinct purposes. In short, the air conditioner cools the air, while the air handler distributes that cooled air throughout your home. Both are crucial parts of a cooling system.
Let's dive into the details and clarify their differences in the debate of air handler vs air conditioner.
What Is An Air Handler?
An air handler, otherwise known as a fan coil, is a crucial component of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Its primary function is to circulate conditioned air throughout your home, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Unlike an air conditioner, which focuses solely on cooling, an air handler plays a comprehensive role in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality.
The main components of an air handler include a blower motor, evaporator coil, and air filter. The blower motor powers the fan that circulates air, while the evaporator coil cools or heats the air as needed. The air filter captures dust, allergens, and other particles, enhancing indoor air quality. With an optional electric heat strip, a fan coil can also provide heat to your home if you live in milder climates.
What Is An Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner is a cooling system designed to regulate and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by removing heat and humidity from the air.
A central air conditioner is a system that cools and dehumidifies the air in a home using a network of ducts. It consists of an outdoor unit, which includes the condenser coil and compressor, and an indoor unit, typically containing the evaporator coil. The system works by circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units to remove heat from the indoor air. The cooled air is then distributed throughout the home via ducts. Central air conditioners are designed to efficiently cool large areas, providing consistent comfort across multiple rooms. Learn more about what is central air and how does air conditioning work.
Air Handler vs. Air Conditioner Functionality
The air handler circulates conditioned air throughout your home. Air handlers can work with various HVAC systems, including air conditioners or heat pumps. The blower pulls in warm air from your living spaces, passing it over the evaporator coil where the refrigerant absorbs the heat. The cooled air is then distributed back into your home through the ductwork. On its own, the air handler doesn't cool the air; it moves air that has been cooled by the air conditioner or heat pump.
The air conditioner, on the other hand, is the main cooling unit in the system. It removes heat from the air and expels it outside. The air conditioner consists of a compressor, condenser coil, and refrigerant. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, causing it to release heat as it condenses in the outdoor condenser coil. The cooled refrigerant is then sent back inside to repeat the cooling cycle.
Air Handler vs. Air Conditioner Location
An air handler is usually located indoors, often in a basement, attic, closet, or crawl space as part of a central HVAC system. The location is chosen based on the home's layout and accessibility for maintenance. An air conditioning unit is located outside of the home.
Connect With A Carrier Dealer For All of Your HVAC Needs
Whether you’re looking at installing, repairing, or getting maintenance on an air handler or air conditioner, you can count on your local Carrier dealer to provide quality HVAC service for your home. They will assess your home's specific HVAC needs and recommend the right solution for you. Contact your local Carrier dealer today to schedule an appointment.
FAQs About Air Handler vs. Air Conditioner
No, you don't replace an air handler with an air conditioner. The air handler is part of the HVAC system, while the air conditioner cools the air. Both work together; replacing one doesn't necessarily mean replacing the other.
An air conditioner (AC) cools the air by removing heat and moisture, typically using refrigerant. An air handler, on the other hand, is a component of an HVAC system that circulates conditioned air through ducts, often containing a blower, filter, and heating elements, but it doesn't cool or heat the air itself.