Difference Between Air Conditioner and Air Handler

Introduction

An air conditioning unit is responsible for regulating the temperature of the air inside your home, ensuring it is either warm or cold.

Difference Between Air Conditioner and Air Handler

On the other hand, air handlers play a crucial role in circulating the air throughout a given space without affecting its temperature.

Air Conditioner

An air conditioning system, commonly known as an "AC," is designed to regulate and control the temperature within a space by providing cooling or heating.

Difference Between Air Conditioner and Air Handler

AC units are widely used for cooling purposes and come in various types to suit different needs, such as central air, window-unit AC, and ductless AC. For large buildings, rooftop systems are often utilized.

Due to the versatility of AC units, you won't typically see them mounted on walls in places like malls or hospitals. In addition to cooling, AC systems also serve other important functions:

  • Dehumidifying the air to prevent moisture-related damage like mildew and mold growth.
  • Ventilating the air within a home.
  • Filtering out dust particles.

Air Conditioner Components

The air conditioner relies on a combination of components to function properly, including the evaporator coil, compressor, condenser coil, expansion valve, air filter, refrigerant, fan, and thermostat.

Air Conditioner Works

When comparing air conditioners and air handlers, most individuals typically refer to central air conditioners. However, there are various other types of air conditioners available, such as mini-splits, window units, and portable air conditioners.

Air conditioners consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor and the condenser coil, while the indoor unit houses the evaporator coil. These key components are interconnected using copper pipes. Both the evaporator and condenser coils function as heat exchangers.

Heat from the indoor air is absorbed within the evaporator coil, while in the condenser coil, it is released into the surrounding air. This heat exchange process is facilitated by a refrigerant, which is a chemical substance. The refrigerant enters the evaporator coil within the indoor unit as a very cold liquid. Depending on whether the air conditioner is connected to an air handler or a furnace, the fan will draw in hot air from the house and pass it over the coil.

The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, effectively cooling it. The cooled air is then distributed back into the house through the supply air ducts. After absorbing heat from the air, the refrigerant vaporizes, exits the evaporator, and enters the compressor. The pressure of the refrigerant gas inside the compressor increases, resulting in a significant rise in its temperature. This increase in temperature is crucial for transferring heat to the hot air outside.

In the process of heat exchange, heat is transferred from an area with a higher concentration to an area with a lower concentration. After being compressed, the refrigerant, which is in a superheated state, enters the condenser coil. As it passes through the coil, the condenser fan blows cooler air over it, causing the refrigerant to release heat and transfer it to the outside air.

By the time the refrigerant exits the condenser coil, it has released so much heat that it has condensed back into a liquid form and is ready to return to the evaporator coil for further cooling. As you can observe, the condenser performs a similar function to the air handler, but they are distinct from each other.

Air Conditioner Advantages

An air conditioner not only regulates the temperature to prevent discomfort from heat or cold, but it also offers additional advantages, as outlined below.

  • It helps reduce asthma attacks by filtering dust and allergens in the air. This improves indoor air quality and lowers the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.
  • It enhances home security by eliminating the need to open windows for ventilation, which can expose the interior to bugs and insects.
  • It promotes relaxation after a long day by creating a cooler environment for better sleep. Cooler temperatures at night signal the body to rest, leading to improved sleep quality.
  • It helps prevent electronics from overheating by maintaining a cold room temperature. Overheating can damage electronic devices and affect their performance.
  • It decreases the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses by preventing excessive sweating in hot temperatures. Staying cool helps retain essential body fluids and reduces the likelihood of conditions like heat stroke.

Air Conditioning Disadvantages

  • The drawbacks of utilizing an air conditioner include the potential for dry skin and eyes due to the removal of moisture from the room and body.
  • Additionally, it can lead to quicker evaporation of natural oils.
  • The unit also generates ambient noise while in operation and can spread airborne diseases, fungi, and allergens by circulating air.
  • Moreover, it significantly increases your electricity bill as it consumes a large amount of energy.
  • Lastly, it is detrimental to the environment as it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to global warming.

Air Handler

An air handler, known as a "fan coil unit," is an essential component of an HVAC system. Its primary function is to efficiently distribute air throughout the vents and various rooms in your home.

Difference Between Air Conditioner and Air Handler

By working in conjunction with your heat pump or air conditioner, it enhances their performance and effectiveness.

This unit is not only utilized in residential settings but also plays a crucial role in the central air conditioning systems of medium to large buildings. It can be found installed on the roof, floor, or basement. Air handlers come in three main types: single-speed, five-speed, and variable-speed, each offering different levels of control and efficiency.

Air Handler Components

The components of the air handling unit collaborate to guarantee its optimal performance, just like those of an air conditioner. These components include the housing, fan (blade and motor), heating/cooling coil, filters, panel, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, humidifier, and mixing box.

Air Handler Works

An air handler is a crucial component that works in conjunction with either an air conditioner or a heat pump. The blower, which is the most important part of the air handler, is often referred to as a blower by some individuals.

A complete air handler consists of various components, including the blower, evaporator coil, electric heating strips, and air filter, among others. It is typically housed in a metallic box that resembles a furnace and is installed in the attic, basement, or closet.

Air handlers are connected to both the return and supply air ducts. The return air ducts bring hot or cold air from the house for heating or cooling purposes. Inside the house, these ducts terminate at the return air vents.

On the other hand, the supply air ducts carry cooled or heated air from the air handler to different areas of the house. As you can observe, the house, air handler, and ductwork form a continuous loop that operates continuously, regardless of whether the house is being cooled or heated.

When the thermostat signals the need for cooling or heating, the air handler activates, and its blower starts drawing air from the house through the return air ducts. Depending on whether the air needs to be cooled or heated, it passes through the cooling or heating coil, where heat exchange occurs.

Before the air is heated or cooled, it undergoes filtration to remove dust, lint, pollen, and other impurities. The conditioned air is then supplied back to the house through the supply air ducts.

In addition to heating and cooling, air handlers also play a crucial role in ventilation. Ventilation involves intentionally replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Ventilation is an essential aspect of HVAC systems. To ensure your comfort, it is important to cool or heat the air and ensure its freshness.

Recirculating the same air repeatedly can lead to stale indoor air. Activities such as breathing, cooking, and cleaning can lower the quality of indoor air, highlighting the need for proper ventilation.

While natural ventilation can be achieved by simply opening doors and windows, it can reduce the efficiency of your cooling and heating systems.

The air handler is linked to a vent that brings in fresh air from the outside, resulting in a mixture of indoor and outdoor air that is cooled, conditioned, and distributed throughout your home.

Air Handler Advantages

Here are the advantages associated with air handling units.

  • They offer the convenience of being installed in a single location.
  • These units efficiently distribute treated air across various areas, ensuring that occupants experience the desired warmth or coolness.

Air Handler Disadvantages

When an air handling unit experiences a malfunction, it can have a negative impact on the performance of the air conditioner or heat pump system it is designed to support.

Air Conditioner vs Air Handlers

BasisAir ConditionerAir Handler
FunctionAn air conditioning unit is in charge of cooling the air by extracting heat from indoor spaces, expelling it outside, and distributing the cooled air throughout your home.The main purpose of an air handler is to distribute conditioned air throughout a space. While it cannot cool or heat air independently, it collaborates with other systems (like a heat pump or furnace) to ensure that treated air is evenly circulated within the home.
ComponentsAn air conditioning unit consists of parts such as a compressor, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and refrigerant. It functions autonomously to deliver cooling.The air handler is equipped with a blower fan, an evaporator coil, and a filter and depends on additional HVAC elements to provide heating or cooling capabilities.
System EfficiencyAir conditioning units are crucial for maintaining a cool environment, with their performance evaluated based on their SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) score.The effectiveness of an HVAC system, comprising an air handler, relies on its overall performance, which includes the heat source (such as a heat pump or furnace) and the thermostat's control.
Cooling CapacityAir conditioners are primarily designed for cooling and are effective at reducing indoor temperatures in hot weather.The main function of the air handler is to circulate conditioned air, but it cannot cool the air itself.
Air QualityAlthough air conditioners do filter certain particles from the air, their main purpose is to regulate temperature. However, it should be noted that they may not provide advanced air purification capabilities.Air handlers frequently come with air filters that can enhance indoor air quality by trapping dust, allergens, and pollutants while air circulates.
Installation LocationAir conditioners are commonly installed outside to facilitate the transfer of heat between indoor and outdoor environments.Air handling units are commonly placed indoors, typically in attics, closets, basements, or utility rooms, and are linked to the duct system.
Heating CapabilityAir conditioners are designed to cool indoor air, but they are only able to provide heating if they are integrated into a heat pump system.Air handlers are essential components in cooling and heating systems. They work in conjunction with heat pumps or furnaces to distribute warm and cool air evenly throughout a space.

Conclusion

Air conditioners are responsible for regulating indoor temperatures by cooling or heating the air, while air handlers distribute conditioned air throughout a space without affecting its temperature. Each system has distinct functions, components, and advantages, contributing to the overall comfort and efficiency of HVAC systems.






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