What Is An Air Handler?
An air handler is a crucial component of many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, responsible for regulating and circulating air throughout a home. It works in tandem with your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump to ensure that heated or cooled air is evenly distributed into the living space. In this article, we'll explore what an air handler is, how it works, and why it's essential for efficient HVAC operation.
What Is An Air Handler
What is an air handler? An air handler, also known as a fan coil, is a vital part of HVAC systems. It is designed to regulate and circulate air throughout a home. The primary function of an air handler is to intake outside air, condition it through heating, cooling, or filtering processes, and distribute it effectively. This ensures optimal indoor comfort and air quality.
Air handlers collaborate with various HVAC components, such as furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners, to create a cohesive climate control system. They contain essential elements like blowers, filters, and dampers that facilitate air movement and treatment. By seamlessly integrating with other HVAC equipment, air handlers help maintain a consistent indoor environment, promoting energy efficiency and reliable performance.
Understanding what is an air handler and its benefits can help homeowners make informed decisions about their HVAC systems, ultimately leading to a more comfortable and healthier living space.
Key Functions Of An Air Handler
Air circulation, air filtering, and humidity control are three of the primary functions of an air handler. Let’s dive into more details on each.
Air Circulation
Air handlers work seamlessly with heating and cooling systems, distributing conditioned air throughout your home. Whether it’s winter or summer, these systems adjust the temperature of the air before it enters your living spaces. The air handler moves air through ducts, distributing it to different areas of the home.
Air Filtering
Air handlers often contains filters that help remove dust, allergens, and other particles from the air before circulating it. This filtration not only improves indoor air quality but also protects your HVAC system from debris that could cause wear and tear.
Humidity Control
Humidity control is another critical role played by air handlers. They help maintain optimal humidity levels in your home, preventing issues such as mold growth and discomfort from excessive moisture. By circulating air and integrating with humidity control systems, air handlers ensure that your indoor environment remains balanced and pleasant, contributing to your overall comfort. Understand what humidity should my house be at?
Types of Air Handlers
Air handlers come in different configurations to suit various types of HVAC systems and installation needs. The three most common types are upflow, downflow, and horizontal air handlers. Each is designed to fit specific spaces or systems, and they all have different ways of directing airflow.
Upflow Air Handler
An upflow air handler is designed to move air upward through the system, with the blower located at the bottom of the unit. It typically blows air into the supply ducts above it. This type is usually installed in basements or crawl spaces, where it can push the conditioned air upwards into the ducts and throughout the home. As the blower pulls air from the return ducts, it is forced upward through the coils (which heat or cool the air) and then pushed into the supply ducts, which distribute the air throughout the home.
Downflow Air Handler
A downflow air handler operates in the opposite direction of an upflow system. It blows air downward, and the blower is usually at the top of the unit. The air is then sent downward through the cooling or heating coils before being directed to the supply ducts below. Downflow units are commonly installed in attics, closets, or utility rooms where space is more limited or where the air handler needs to push air down into the system. The blower pulls air from the return ducts and forces it downward through the coils (where it is conditioned), then it is delivered into the supply ducts located below.
Horizontal Air Handler
A horizontal air handler is designed to sit on its side, with the blower positioned horizontally inside the unit. It moves air through the system in a side-to-side direction. Horizontal air handlers are often used in attics or crawl spaces where vertical space is limited, but there is sufficient horizontal space. They are also used in homes with slab foundations or when the unit is mounted in a space where it's impractical to use upflow or downflow units. Like the other types, a horizontal air handler pulls air from the return ducts, conditions it, and then distributes it through the supply ducts. However, since it’s mounted horizontally, the airflow direction is parallel to the ground, and the conditioned air is pushed into ducts positioned around the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Handlers
Is an air handler the same as a blower?
An air handler and a blower are related but not exactly the same. The air handler is a broader term that refers to the entire unit responsible for circulating and conditioning air throughout your home (the filters, coils, and blower), while a blower is just one component inside the air handler – a motorized fan that moves the air through the HVAC system and into the ducts.
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Is an air handler the same as a fan coil?
Yes, a fan coil is the same as an air handler.
Does every house have an air handler?
If a home uses a furnace for heating and an air conditioner for cooling, the system usually includes an air handler. The air handler houses the blower fan, heating coils, and possibly a cooling coil (depending on the system) to circulate conditioned air through ducts.
Homes with a heat pump for heating and cooling will also generally have an air handler. The air handler works with the heat pump to distribute heated or cooled air through the home’s ductwork.
If a home has a ductless mini split system, each indoor unit typically serves as its own air handler, so there isn’t a need for a central air handler.
Homes with radiant heating (such as in-floor heating) often don’t use air handlers because the heat is delivered through warm floors or panels rather than forced air.
Should an air handler be running all of the time?
The air handler should run whenever your heating or cooling system is actively working to maintain your home’s temperature. For example, when your thermostat signals that the home is too cold or too hot, the air handler helps circulate the conditioned air through the ducts.
Some homeowners choose to run the air handler on a continuous fan mode to improve air circulation, maintain more consistent temperatures, or enhance indoor air quality. This can be especially helpful in larger homes with multiple rooms, as it helps distribute air more evenly.
Running the air handler all the time can increase energy use, as it consumes electricity and puts wear on the system. In most cases, it’s more energy-efficient to allow the air handler to cycle on and off as needed, in response to temperature changes or thermostat settings.
Connect With A Bryant Dealer On Air Handlers
Connecting with your local Bryant dealer for all of your air handler needs ensures you're getting expert advice on the best system for your home’s needs. Whether you're looking for an upflow, downflow, or horizontal air handler, a Bryant dealer can help you select the right unit, handle the installation, and provide ongoing support for optimal performance. Schedule an appointment today for personalized recommendations and reliable service.
Explore Bryant Air Handlers
Choose a Bryant air handler for efficient and reliable air distribution in your home. Designed for seamless compatibility with Bryant heating and cooling systems, these air handlers ensure optimal comfort year-round. With features like variable-speed motors and quiet operation, Bryant air handlers provide consistent airflow while improving energy efficiency. Their durable construction and flexible installation options make them a smart, long-lasting choice for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment in any season.
