In fact, the two systems can look so similar you may think you have an “electric furnace” when in actuality, you have an air handler. If you have a heat pump, remember, if temperatures frequently drop below freezing it is a good idea to pair your heat pump with a gas furnace – not an air handler.
Is an air handler the same as an air conditioner?
The air handler contains a blower motor, that moves conditioned air into the home. It also contains an indoor coil that aids in the cooling process. Air handlers can be used with air conditioners or heat pumps to keep homes cool. To create an efficient, high performing cooling system, the air handler and air conditioner should be matched.
How much does replacing an air handler cost?
Your current system can limit your options at times. If you’d like to install a variable-speed air conditioner, you may need to replace your furnace or air handler as well in some cases. Replacing a furnace or air handler typically costs anywhere from $3,300-$7,025.
Do I need to replace my air handler?
Do we really need to replace the indoor unit as well?” Unfortunately, the short answer is yes. You should replace your indoor air handler at the same time as your outdoor heat pump — or air conditioning unit if it’s that time of year. I know it seems like an extra, unnecessary expense, but let’s look at why: ...
Can you put an air handler in the attic?
The argument that there may be some physical advantages to putting the air handler in the attic as opposed to taking up living space may be valid, nonetheless, one must understand that cooling systems have fixed limits of cooling capability.
How do I know if I have an air handler or furnace?
The most crucial difference between a furnace and an air handler is a furnace actually produces its own heat for channeling while an air handler doesn't create heat (though some models do provide auxiliary heat).
Where is the air handler on furnace?
Generally, when we use the term 'air handling unit' we are referring to a device that forms one half of an HVAC central heating and air split system. A split system always has an outside component and an inside component. The air handler is always the inside component.
Is an air handler electric or gas?
There are many different brands, models, and types of central air conditioning systems. Each model has unique features and energy efficiency ratings. However, all central ACs have one thing in common: They all use electricity, not gas.
Does a furnace have a fan and a blower?
The blower in a furnace is made up of a motor, fan blades in a cage (squirrel cage), and an electrical system to power it and control it. Any one or more of these parts can fail and prevent the HVAC system from doing its job. One of the more common problems in a blower motor is the bearings.
Where is the air handler installed?
To avoid the need for long ducting that can reduce efficiency, the air handler is best installed as close to the center of the home as possible. Two common installation choices are a utility closet inside the house or a well-sealed equipment room in the garage.
How do I know if my air handler is working?
With your system running, put your hand in front of the air registers (the vents on your floors, walls or ceiling that supply conditioned air). Do you feel air being blown? If it's completely stagnant, with no airflow at all, it's likely you have a problem with your air handler (blower).
Does a furnace need an air handler?
If you have a furnace you probably don't need to worry about an air handler. Air handlers tend to be used with heat pumps and help manage air flow throughout the building. Some units also provide backup heating and cooling elements to help out the heat pump. A furnace works on a different concept.
How does a gas furnace work with AC?
Simply put, the air conditioning part of your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system chills refrigerant (with an outside unit) while the furnace works inside with fans and coils. The HVAC system's ductwork transports air throughout the home, heating or cooling your home as needed.
Is furnace separate from AC?
Your central air conditioning system is independent of your furnace. The outdoor unit isn't connected to the furnace at all—but they both utilize the same distribution system (vents, fans, filters, and ducts) to push cool and warm air into your home.
Is it OK to leave furnace fan on all the time?
Running your furnace fan all the time isn't exactly a bad thing. In fact, there's no need to worry about the fan wearing out or breaking down because it's designed to run continuously, and there's an array of benefits connected to this. Here are some of them: Better circulation of heated and cooled air.
Is it better to leave furnace fan on or auto?
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.
Does running furnace fan bring in outside air?
Whenever the fan runs, some ambient exterior air (hot/humid/cold/dry) will be mixed into the circulating air in your system.
Is there a filter on the air handler?
Air filters are an important component of forced air HVAC systems. Filters are installed on the return side of the HVAC air handler to clean the air to protect the HVAC motor and to improve indoor air quality. Filters should also be installed in fresh air intakes to clean outside air that is brought into the home.
What does a carrier air handler look like?
1:303:41Standard Air Handlers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere's the blower for the air handler. They come in multi speed or the fancier variable speed modelsMoreHere's the blower for the air handler. They come in multi speed or the fancier variable speed models to meet your needs. Then we have the electrical connections.
Why is my air handler not coming on?
First make sure there is power to the indoor unit and that a switch or breaker isn't off. Some indoor units (Heat Pumps) have breakers right on the Air Handler itself. But also check the main breaker panel. Some units have a shutoff switch on the side of the unit or an Emergency Switch located on a wall.
How much does an air handler cost?
Air handler costs depend more on the quality of your chosen unit than the size. You should expect to pay somewhere between $500 for a basic model and $3,500 for a premium air handler. However, most people pay between about $700 and $1,500 for a new air handler without installation, according to data from Pick HVAC.
What Is an Air Handler?
The name itself is a dead giveaway. An air handler handles the air that goes into your home. It blows air into your ventilation system in conjunction with a device called a heat pump. The heat pump heats the air, then the air handler distributes it through the ductwork and out your vents. This contraption does not use fuel in order to affect the temperature of the air, which is the main feature that differentiates it from a furnace.
What is the purpose of a furnace?
One of the main components of this unit is the internal combustion chamber where the fuel is burned and converted to heat energy. It then channels the heat into your home’s ventilation system, while the byproducts are filtered out. This ensures that gases like carbon monoxide don’t get into your home. If you notice that your furnace is starting to get less efficient at distributing heat, then it may be time for a furnace replacement.
What does refrigerant do when it's hot?
When it’s hot, the refrigerant does the same thing with the hot air inside the home; it takes it and carries it outside. This system is simple and effective, but if you start noticing that the air handler is struggling to perform efficiently, you’ll need to call in an HVAC repair specialist to inspect the equipment.
How does a heat pump work?
The heat pump heats the air, then the air handler distributes it through the ductwork and out your vents. This contraption does not use fuel in order to affect the temperature of the air, which is the main feature that differentiates it from a furnace. The air handler’s heat pump works much like a refrigerator does.
What HVAC system does not have an air handler?
The only HVAC systems that lack an air handler are ductless mini-split systems. These ductless systems are becoming much more common in situations like the attic example above, where you need a cooling and/or heating option for a small space. RELATED: Ductless Mini-Splits vs. Central Air: Pros and Cons.
What is an air handler?
An air handler is a part of any ducted HVAC system. Simply put, it is what moves the air throughout the system and your home. Sometimes what someone will refer to as your furnace is, in fact, an air handler with separate electric furnace components installed with it. Functionally speaking, you don’t always need to know the difference, ...
What is the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump?
Difference Between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump. The short answer is that air conditioners only cool, but heat pumps can both heat and cool. Both absorb and transfer heat. Heat pumps simply have a reverse setting, where they absorb heat from outside and transfer it inside. Adding to some homeowners’ confusion is that an A/C unit ...
What is the difference between a heat pump and a furnace?
Difference Between a Heat Pump and a Furnace. Much like an air conditioner only cools, a furnace only heats, while a heat pump can both heat and cool. Additionally, heat pumps work by absorbing heat either from the home or from the outside and transferring it to the opposite location. Furnaces generate heat in and of themselves, ...
How do air conditioners and heat pumps work?
To cool, heat is absorbed by the indoor evaporator cool and transferred to the outdoor unit, where it is emitted.
Why do heat pumps work with electric furnaces?
Heat pumps are commonly paired with electric furnaces due to the overlap in technology. A heat pump will provide some heating benefit, which is supplemented by the furnace's heat. By working in tandem at varying levels depending on the temperature setting, the two can provide very efficient heating for a home.
What are the advantages of HVAC?
Well, sort of. The different technology underlying different types of equipment can make a difference for you. The potential advantages fall into two main categories: 1 Efficiency - Some systems will operate more efficiently than others, providing you better comfort. Importantly, the most efficient system for one home might not be the best for another. This can be due to where you live, but also what other HVAC equipment you have, since many A/C units, heat pumps, furnaces, and air handlers are designed to work better together. 2 Cost - There are initial cost differences to different equipment types, and also differences in your energy bills if the equipment is properly functioning in tandem. Cost can also increase if you’re switching equipment types (electric to gas furnace, for example), since your home may need new lines to properly fuel the system.
What is an air handler?
An air handler has a simple task, to take in air and send it around the home or business. Air handlers often include blowers, heating and cooling systems and filters. It handles much of the “ventilation” port of the HVAC system. Air handlers are commonly used in conjunction with air conditioners. The evaporator coil in the air handler can remove ...
What type of refrigerant does an air handler use?
The next item to evaluate is what type of refrigerant the air handler uses. The most common types are R-22 and R410-A. Newer HVAC systems typically use the R-410A refrigerant, which is generally accepted as the more environmentally friendly and efficient refrigerant. Air handlers can also be sold with heating elements.
What are the elements in an air handler?
The cooling element would be the evaporator coil, which removes excess heat from the air. Heating elements, like electric heating strips, can also be included in an air handler.
Why is HVAC so flexible?
Part of the reason is that HVAC systems are extremely flexible. You can pick only the components you need to heat and cool your business or home as efficiently as possible. In some cases, this involves buying an air handler.
What is the best way to heat a home?
Pairing a heat pump with an air handler is typically not sufficient to warm a home or business in a climate that repeatedly drops below zero. A gas or electric furnace is a more effective way to heat the location.
How to contact National Air Warehouse?
If you need any help determining if your home or business would benefit from an air handler, you can check with an expert or call National Air Warehouse at (888) 997-5160 for assistance.
Do air handlers work with heat pumps?
Air handlers can also be sold with heating elements. This may or may not be necessary in your climate. If your home does not already have heat pump, the heating elements may be a good choice to warm the air in your home when it gets a bit chillier. The heating elements can also work in tandem with a heat pump for greater efficiency. It depends on the system you select for your climate.
What Is an Air Handler?
In its most straightforward definition, the air handler works with the heating and cooling unit to deliver controlled climate air throughout your home. It’s a system used locally with your current heating and cooling system. Installation typically occurs in well-ventilated areas, or areas without condensation or humidity in your home.
The Different Types of Air Handlers
Different types of air handlers are available with varying features depending on what your HVAC system needs.
When Should I Replace My Air Handler?
Older components of central air systems simply do not perform as well as newer ones. Over time, air handlers lose effectiveness, and older models do not have the advanced technology newer ones do. Older units are less effective to filter out contaminants, reduce noise and generate superior cooling performance.
Quality Atlanta Air Handler Service
Now that you understand what an air handler does, you see the importance of this key HVAC equipment. Don’t risk the efficiency of your central heating and air system with the wrong unit .
How Does My AC Unit Work with My Furnace?
Simply put, the air conditioning part of your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system chills refrigerant (with an outside unit) while the furnace works inside with fans and coils. The HVAC system’s ductwork transports air throughout the home, heating or cooling your home as needed.
How Do I Know if I have an AC or a Heat Pump?
To discover what you have, check the condenser and/or indoor air handler labels . Alternatively, you can determine if you have a heat pump if there is a reversing valve inside the condenser or if you turn on the heat and notice that your outside unit turns on.
Do I Have to Replace a Furnace and AC at the Same Time?
It isn’t necessary to replace a furnace at the same time as your AC, but in most instances, it makes sense to do so. This is because of the shared energy savings and efficiency you gain by having equally fit systems. A failing distribution system and leaky ducts can result in efficiency losses, discomfort, and spikes in your energy bill. Investing in an ENERGY STAR® efficiency furnace can save you energy and money, but only if it is properly installed. When you partner with the professionals at Air Experts, you have a guarantee that your equipment will give optimum performance for its typical life span.
What is the difference between forced air and central air?
Understanding the difference between a forced air system and a central air system can help you differentiate the roles of each in your HVAC system. Essentially, a forced air system encompasses the entirety of HVAC systems that move temperature-controlled air into your home with ducts and vents. Examples of forced air systems are your furnace ...
What are some examples of forced air systems?
Examples of forced air systems are your furnace or your heat pump (if you have one). Central air conditioning employs a closed-loop of refrigerated/cycled air to deliver cool air when needed to combat the North Carolina summer heat. Both your forced air (furnace) and central air (AC) systems use the same parts to cool and heat your home.
What is an outdoor air conditioner?
The outdoor unit houses the compressor and the condenser coil. The indoor unit regulates the airflow, distributing warm air from the furnace. A packaged air conditioning system doesn’t employ an outdoor unit. All components are in the same place.
How much does a heat pump save electricity?
According to the Department of Energy website, today’s heat pump systems can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to furnaces and baseboard heaters.
