How Does an Air Handler Work in Your Air Conditioner?
How Does an Air Handler Work in Your Air Conditioner?
Learn more about this heating and cooling component
As the HVAC industry advances, there are more and more innovations designed, manufactured and utilized in residential homes across the United States. One of those inventions is the air handler. Unfortunately, not all homeowners know what it is or what it does in an air conditioner. At AC Southeast®, we want you to know all the aspects of the HVAC industry, including how air handlers work and the benefits they offer. Knowing more can help increase your confidence when caring for your home and property. It’s also helpful when you have the need to purchase HVAC equipment. Here are the basics of air handlers to help you understand their importance to your everyday life.An Air Handler Defined
When an air handler is matched correctly with an air conditioner, it will effectively circulate cool air throughout your home using your ductwork. Your air conditioner cools the air before sending it through the air handler, which helps regulate the airflow and temperature as it moves through the unit. There are several components inside the air handler:- Evaporator Coil: During the refrigeration process, the evaporator coil cools the air as it passes over the coil. It also removes humidity from the air before sending it on past the coil.
- Blower Motor: After the air has been cooled by the evaporator coil, the blower motor pushes the air to the connected ductwork. There are a few different motors to choose from for your air handler.
- A single-speed motor has only one, fixed speed, which cycles on and off through the use of your thermostat.
- A multi-speed motor boasts several different speeds, depending on the demand. It has a high-stage able to operate as high as 100% and a low-stage able to maintain reduced humidity levels while still keeping you comfortable.
- A variable-speed motor offers precise control of the flow of cooled air throughout your home based on your comfort requirements. It helps control indoor humidity and easily maintains even temperatures.
- Filter: Before the cool air enters your ducts, it passes through an air filter. The filter minimizes the number of pollutants permitted to circulate throughout your home, accumulate inside your ductwork and buildup on the components inside your air conditioner.
- Plenum Connections: The air handler is connected to your ductwork via a plenum connection. There is an air supply and return plenum to help move the air through the ductwork to the air handler.
Realize the Potential of your Air Conditioner with an Air Handler
Now you know the purpose of an air handler and how it benefits your air conditioner, discover the possibilities for your home:- Better Air Quality: The extra filter in an air handler reduces the allergens in your household. It acts like a second-line of defense without you realizing it.
- Consistent Cooling: A variable-speed air handler uses various speeds, which makes it easier for your air conditioner to maintain even temperatures at all times. The cool air is delivered gradually, allowing for precise control.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: The air handler traps and eliminates excess dirt, dust and other debris from cluttering up your ductwork and settling inside your air conditioner. This prevents your air conditioner from working harder and reduces signs of wear and tear to the interior components.
- Higher Energy Efficiency: With an air handler, your air conditioner operates more efficiently. When temperatures are inconsistent around your home, your air conditioner repeatedly cools the air and tries to deliver it evenly. An air handler reduces energy use by consistently distributing cool air only when necessary.
