Full Answer
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.
Why is my air handler not working?
The next most common problem that can occur with an air handler is a failure of a blower motor, whether it be the blower motor or something else that causes the blower motor to fail. It could be a bad relay, control board, run capacitor, or the blower motor itself. It could also be the blower wheel.
What does an air conditioner actually do?
An air conditioner works via three major components: a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. An air conditioner works by shuffling heat around. The compressor pressurizes a refrigerant, the fluid that runs throughout the air conditioner. As the refrigerant gets pressurized, it starts to heat up, pulling energy from the room.
What is the air handler in an AC?
What is an Air Handler? An air handler contains the components that move the air throughout your home, called the blower. It is usually set inside the home and operates with both the heating and cooling components of your HVAC system. If you take a quick glance at an air handler, it might closely resemble a furnace.
Do you need an air handler with an air conditioner?
If you are in the market for a new HVAC system, and you are considering a conventional gas furnace and air conditioner, you most likely will not need an air handler. On the other hand, if you are considering an electric heat pump, an air handler will probably be part of your purchase.
What's the difference between an air handler and an air conditioner?
Air handlers are designed to move air around. That's all that they do. They don't heat up or cool down, they move air. Air conditioners, on the other hand, exist only to cool air by removing heat from the outdoor air.
Is the air handler inside or outside?
The air handler is the component that circulates air inside your home. It's typically found indoors, either in a closet or attic. An air handler's basic components are an air filter, a blower and a coil. The internal blower moves air through the evaporator coil and transfers it throughout the building via ductwork.
How much does a new AC handler cost?
An air handler costs $1,500 to $3,400 to replace on average, depending on the ton size, brand, and type. Air handler prices are $700 to $1,600 for the unit alone, plus $800 to $1,800 for replacement labor.
What does a air handler look like?
0:062:04What is an Air Handler and How Does it Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAir handlers consists of an evaporator coil blower motor and usually an electric heat strip.MoreAir handlers consists of an evaporator coil blower motor and usually an electric heat strip.
Where is the air handler on AC unit?
Most often, air handlers are located in the attic, basement or a dedicated closet, and may closely resemble the shape of a gas furnace. As its name suggests, an air handler “handles” the air inside your home and delivers warm or cool indoor air throughout your entire home.
How long does an air handler last?
between 15 to 25 yearsMost HVAC systems can last between 15 to 25 years. Residents of more temperate climates may cause less wear and tear on their systems.
Is an air handler and condenser the same thing?
This is the part that most people call “the air conditioner”. The most important parts of a condenser are the condenser coil and the compressor. Unlike the air handler, which blows conditioned air through the rooms of one's house, the main purpose of this appliance is to remove the heat from those same rooms.
How do I know if my air handler is working?
0:125:18AC Not Working Right? How to Check if Your Air Conditioner is ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe thick one will be sweating or condensing you're going to see water on it while it's working ifMoreThe thick one will be sweating or condensing you're going to see water on it while it's working if it's completely dry or if it's frozen over not bad if it's frozen.
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.
Is a furnace and air handler the same thing?
The Key Difference Between Furnaces and Air Handlers 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).
Why do you need 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.
Is a furnace and air handler the same thing?
The Key Difference Between Furnaces and Air Handlers 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).
How many air handlers do I need?
Having one air handler in each bedroom, as well as the kitchen area and living room (and formal dining room, if you have one) means you can control the cooling and heating in each room independently. This is very efficient and allows for personalized comfort for each member of your household.
How does a furnace work with AC?
Furnace heats the air in the winter and the blower circulates air through the home. AC evaporator coil removes heat and humidity in summer. Condensate line carries excess moisture to floor drain. Compressor circulates refrigerant through evaporator coil and expels heat outdoors.
What Is an Air Handler and How Does It Work?
An air handler is an essential part of your A/C unit that is in charge of creating cool air for your home. In order to create a clearer understanding of the workings of your air conditioner, this article focuses on air handlers and how they work.
Why does my air conditioner blower work?
The blower works continuously when your unit is on resulting in it being under a lot of strain. When it comes to air conditioning repairs, the blower is one of the components to be a source of the problem. Especially when the temperature is constantly being switched back and forth by those living in the home.
What is the purpose of an evaporator coil?
2. Evaporator Coils. The evaporator coils are the components of the air handler that is in charge of cooling down your air. Refrigerant, held in the outside unit, is pumped out as high temperature, high-pressure gas into the air handler.
Why is it important to change your air filter?
It does this by catching dirt, pet dander, and airborne contaminants. If left in the air, these contaminants can cause those in the home to become ill. It is important to ensure that you clean or change your air filter monthly. Doing this will allow the air to flow more smoothly and keep it cleaner for you and your family.
What is an AC air handler?
The ac air handler is the part of an air conditioning system that circulates air through the home. The ac air handler pulls air it in through the intake vents. The air then passes over the cooling elements. The ac air handler then blows the air out through the ducts and distributes it throughout the home. The ac air handler is often located inside ...
How is refrigerant pumped into the air handler?
To do so, refrigerant is pumped from the outside condenser unit into the air handler as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. Inside the air handler, the expansion valve converts the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas. This cold gas is then pumped into the evaporator coils.
How many air handlers are there in a 2 story house?
Two story houses often have two air handlers, on per level. The main component of an ac air handler is the blower fan. This fan runs at a high enough speed to move air throughout the home. To protect the blower fan and other components in the ac air handler, a filter is placed at some point between the intake vent and the fan.
Why does condensation build up on evaporator coils?
Because of the temperature change, condensation often builds up on the evaporator coils. Most evaporates, and any excess condensation is pumped into the condensate drain line to protect the air handler from damage. In many Florida homes, the ac air handler will also contain a heating element.
What is an air handler?
An indoor air handler is a unit that controls how air moves through your home. It’s usually located indoors and can be connected to both your heating and AC systems, moving hot or cold air around as necessary. Some references readily use the terms ‘blower’ and ‘air handler’ interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.
What is the difference between an air handler and an air conditioner?
Air handlers and air conditioners have entirely different functions, making it easy to remember the difference between them. Air handlers are designed to move air around. That’s all that they do. They don’t heat up or cool down, they move air. Air conditioners, on the other hand, exist only to cool air by removing heat from the outdoor air.
What is the difference between a blower and an air handler?
Some references readily use the terms ‘blower’ and ‘air handler’ interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. The blower is actually part of the air handler unit. The air handler also contains many other components, such as air filters, dampers and mixing chambers which all work together with the blower to move air around.
Why are heat pumps and air handlers installed together?
The reason for this is because a heat pump transfers heat, which the air handler then moves around to a suitable location. The heat pump does the work of changing the air’s temperature while the air handler does the job ...
How does an air conditioner work?
Air conditioners work by moving warm air over a refrigerant coil. This coil contains a special liquid called coolant that sucks the heat out of the air, which is then moved into the home. The warmed coolant is moved outside, where the temperature is expelled. The main thing to remember is that air conditioners don’t.
What is the purpose of an air conditioner?
The primary purpose of an air conditioner is to take outdoor air, cool it, and transfer it into the home. Air conditioners work by moving warm air over a refrigerant coil.
Do you need an air handler for a furnace?
However, if you’ve got a furnace, chances are you won’t need an air handler. A furnace usually comes with its own dedicated blower to move air around so that an air handler would be an unnecessary extra. Also, air handlers don’t directly cool or heat air, so furnaces and air handlers serve very different functions.
Where is the air handler located?
The air handler sits inside of your home, much like a furnace.
Why Do You Need an Air Handler?
An air handler’s main purpose is to move air through the ducts and your home. Pretty simple.
What Is an Air Handler (Fan Coil Unit)?
An air handler, also known as a “fan coil unit,” is basically a box shaped like a furnace. It has a blower in it, either a variable-speed or an ECM blower. (Electronically commutated motors (ECM) are brushless motors developed by General Electric that are the latest in blower motor efficiency.)
How Much Does an Air Handler Cost?
An air handler can cost anywhere from $2900 - $5800. This price includes installation. The price variation is due to the unit’s capacity and the type of blower it has. Heat strips are an additional $300 - $600 installed.
How many watts does a 110 volt heater use?
It takes a fair amount of electricity to get those heat strips glowing. If we examine a 110-volt electric heater, that’s about 1500 watts. A toaster or hairdryer isn’t far from that. A 1500 kW electric heat package for your air handler is about the same as 15 electric heaters. That would be like an electric heater in every room.
What is an air handler heat strip?
The electric heat strips in an air handler are like the heating element in a toaster. You supply electricity to the strips and they turn red.
What is a multi position air handler?
Just like furnaces, you can configure the air handler in a variety of positions. They are called multi-position. In some homes, the furnace is in the basement, so air would blow air up and out the top.
What is an air handler?
Your air handler assists in regulating the circulation of indoor air and the temperature of the air in your home that you have set on your thermostat or control system. Your air handler consists of an evaporator coil, blower motor, air filter and the electrical and electronic components required to deliver enhanced levels of indoor comfort.
How does an air handler work?
In coordination with your HVAC system’s ductwork, the air handler simultaneously creates a recurring cycle, delivering air out to your indoor spaces through supply vents and drawing air in through the return vents . Even if your air handler is properly sized with your outdoor heat pump, a licensed professional HVAC dealer should ensure that the air supply and movement through the air handler are balanced.
How does a conditioned air coil work?
When your home requires warm indoor air, the coil is warm and transfers heat to the air that passes over it. This makes the conditioned air feel warmer throughout your home. Blower Motor: The blower moves the air to the connected ductwork to circulate it into your indoor spaces.
Why is it important to install HVAC?
An inadequate amount of air flow in the supply vents, return vents or ductwork may reduce the HVAC system’s balance which can potentially cheat you out of your equipment’s efficiency and sacrifice your indoor comfort. This is one of the many reasons why proper installation by a licensed professional HVAC dealer matters to your HVAC equipment’s longevity, energy costs, and indoor comfort.
What is an air handler heat pump?
Depending on the design of your home, an air handler may be a principal indoor component of your heat pump system. When properly matched with the capacity and SEER ( Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of your heat pump, the air handler is designed to efficiently circulate conditioned air through your home’s duct work. Depending on the season, the circulated air is either cool or hot. According to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), mismatched systems are at least 30 percent less efficient than matched systems. 1 Homeowners should keep this efficiency loss in mind when they are considering replacing only the outdoor unit portion of their split system.
What is the purpose of air filter in a heat pump?
The filter is intended to minimize the number of particulates circulated throughout your home, accumulate in the duct work, and land on the indoor components of your heat pump system.
What is an indoor coil?
Coil: The indoor coil or evaporator coil is a crucial component of the refrigeration cycle.
What is an air handler?
An air handler has components that are used to move the air throughout your home. This is known as the blower, and it is located inside your home. The blower can operate with both the cooling and heating components of your HVAC system. The air handler looks like a furnace, but it acts differently in operation. The air handler can run with either a heat pump or an air conditioner. It contains an indoor coil that is used to heat or cool your home depending on which system it is being used with.
How does an air conditioner work?
This isn’t correct, the AC system actually removes heat from your home and deposits it outside making your home cooler. The air conditioner acts like a circulatory system, picking up the warm air, moving it outside and repeating the process over and over until it’s turned off. The blood in this analogy would be the refrigerant that absorbs the warm air as it passes over the refrigerant coil. The refrigerant then circulates through the lines carrying the absorbed heat outside and returns to repeat the process again.
Do you need to understand an air handler?
As you can see, there are significant differences in the way that air conditioners and air handlers work. It may be the case that you never even need to understand the air handler in any real detail unless you have a specific need to use an electric heat pump.