An air handler is an important part of the heating and air conditioning system in a house or commercial building. It contains a fan that is able to distribute the cool and heated air. This is considered a “split” heating and cooling system. They are designed to operate quietly and be cost effective.
Applications
Air handlers can be used to maintain the temperature within a commercial building or home. They can also provide smoke control and maintain air pressure in rooms. They are able to provide humidity control, as well as heating, cooling and ventilation.
Function
Air handlers have both commercial and residential applications. A commercial air handler is large and may be placed outside a building or in a building’s mechanical room. In a residential situation, an air handler can be used with air conditioners and furnace units. They are connected to duct work and distribute air through the building. Smaller units consist of a coil, air filter and blower. Larger air handler units are designed to serve big buildings. The larger units may use only outside air and no air is recycled. Some units are able to supply and return air to a specified space without duct work.
Systems
There are three main types of heating and cooling systems that utilize an air handler. The split air conditioner and furnace system. In this system, the air conditioning unit is outside. The furnace is inside. The air handler is contained within the furnace. There is the split heat pump system. With this system, the furnace isn’t utilized. A unit is placed outside a building and will be able to do both the heating and the cooling. An air handler will be used with these systems to move the cooled and heated air through the air ducts. There is also the rooftop or packaged system. With this system the air handler is combined into the outdoor unit, and they operate as one piece.
Cost Effective
When an air conditioner and heating system is constantly stopped and started, an air handler system will operate less efficiently. A variable frequency drive can be added to an existing air handler. This will make the system run better. It is designed to adjust the speed of the air flow. This makes it possible to run the unit for a longer time and be extremely efficient. It also reduces the wear on the fan and motor. This lowers operating costs and will decrease a home’s energy bill.
Materials
An air handler is usually made from single skin metal infill panels. The metal is usually galvanized. This will provide long-term protection as well as prevent corrosion. If the air handler is located outside, it will come with a waterproof lid. This construction is effective in preventing excessive heat loss or gain. An extract and supply air handler can be connected. This will increase operational efficiency.
Air Filters
The air filter for an air handler is designed to remove dust particles and more from the air. It will prevent dirt and other types of particles from entering the air handler. This will keep all of the working parts of the unit clean and operating effectively.