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What You Need to Know About AC Air Handler Units
If you've ever been greeted by cool air on a hot summer day while relaxing at home, you have your HVAC unit - and your air handler unit - to thank. But what is an air handler unit, what does it do, and why is it so important? The answers to those questions require you to keep a few key things in mind.
What Does an HVAC Air Handler Do?
As the name suggests, an air handler unit is an integral part of an AC unit that is responsible for both regulating and distributing air. On a warm summer day, when you hear your air conditioning unit kick on and start to feel cool air come out of the vents in your home, you have the air handler to thank for that.
While the actual makeup of an HVAC air handler unit will vary depending on the exact unit you're talking about, typically, they all share a few common characteristics when it comes to parts.
You're talking about a large metal box that houses not just an electric heat strip but also a blower and an AC evaporator coil. Most modern-day units also have a part called a filter rack or, at the very least, a chamber that accomplishes much the same goal.
What is the Difference Between an AC Unit and an AC Handler?
This question is a misnomer, as an air conditioner unit and an HVAC air handler unit are not necessarily "different" in the strictest sense of the term. Rather, an air handler is an essential component inside the air conditioning unit that allows it to function.
Essentially, the air handler is a core component of the inner workings of an air conditioner unit. It is what connects to the ductwork in a home, thus distributing cool air throughout the environment. The air handler is also what will connect to any refrigeration lines and communicating wire that is present.
To put it another way, without an air handler, the air conditioning unit installed outside of someone's home would be unable to function as intended.
Along the same lines, it's important to note that indoor air handler units are also available. These connect to the heating equipment in a home and operate in much the same way. In this case, they would most commonly be confused with a furnace instead of an air conditioning unit.
However, they still have the same relationship with that device - the air handler is needed for the furnace to maintain indoor temperatures across a home properly.
Indoor units also have ac filters that help remove any pollutants that may be in the air.
How Much is a Goodman AC Air Handler for a Residential Unit?
The answer to this question will vary depending on a number of important factors. For starters, the energy efficiency level of the Goodman AC air handler will play a large role in dictating the price as modern and more efficient units tend to be more expensive.
The size of your HVAC system (measured in BTUs) will also play a role, as systems that heat and cool larger spaces will require more powerful air handler units.
You can always feel free to contact the team at Superior Home Supplies to find out more information about what you can expect to pay, given your situation.
Do You Need an AC Air Handler for a Central Air Conditioner System?
More often than not, you do not need an AC air handler with a central air conditioner system, provided that a few conditions are met. If you have a traditional furnace coupled with your air conditioner unit, an air handler is likely unnecessary.
However, if you're going with any type of electric heat pump, an AC air handler will probably be required. The good news is that your heat pump system may very well come with one depending on who you end up purchasing it from.
What are the Benefits of an HVAC Air Handler in a Residential HVAC System?
By far, the biggest benefit that a residential air handler will bring with it comes by way of cooling, which is both fast and efficient.
Central air conditioning is great, but anyone with an older unit, in particular, can vouch for how long it can take for an entire home to cool down.
This is especially true on those hot days in the middle of the summer. An air handler can help regulate the temperature much faster, generating that comfort you want as quickly as possible.
Another major benefit of an air handler in a residential HVAC system has to do with the advanced air filtration that modern units are known for. Anyone with allergies can tell you just how important air quality truly is.
Most AC handler units have at least one filter (but likely more) that is both designed to keep pollutants out of the indoor air and keep the unit itself as clean as possible for easy maintenance.
Newer AC handler units, in particular, are also known for their quiet operation. This addresses a major pain point shared by many people with older units in particular.
Finally, another major advantage of an AC handler for a residential HVAC unit comes by way of increased energy efficiency. Newer units, in particular, are simply more reliable than their older counterparts.
Not only will you be dealing with less air leakage, but the build quality will help guarantee that you're dealing with less maintenance as well. The energy efficiency gains alone will be enough to start saving money on your monthly utility bills almost immediately.
What are the Key Features of an AC Handler?
The vast majority of modern-day air handlers are nothing if not versatile. They're perfect for providing both warm and cool air to homes of all shapes and sizes. Although the actual features will vary depending on the unit you select, they do all tend to have a few key things in common when it comes to features.
One of the biggest comes by way of the aforementioned energy efficiency. Especially if you're replacing an older furnace or older HVAC unit, it will require less energy to regulate the temperature of your home - thus saving you money every month.
The types of AC handler units that we sell at Superior Home Supplies (like a Goodman air handler) are also known for their easy installation. This is ideal so your technician can get your new purchase up and running in your home as quickly as possible.
Modern-day air handlers are also nothing if not durable (especially a Goodman air handler), which is good considering that they're an important investment in your home's comfort.
You shouldn't have to worry about things breaking or constant bouts of maintenance. In a best-case scenario, you should forget that your air handler is there at all.
Finally, most Goodman air handler units, in particular, are known for their quiet operation, which is something that most homeowners put at a premium.
Think about it like this: by properly regulating the temperature in your home, an air handler is supposed to create the most comfortable environment possible. It can't possibly do that if it is so noisy that it's impossible to ignore every time it comes on. Therefore, quiet operation is a must for most people.
What are the Parts of a Split Air Conditioning System?
As the name suggests, a split HVAC system is separated into two distinct parts. The first is responsible for providing cool air through the ductwork in a home. This is commonly referred to as the evaporator.
The second part is used to take the heat that is inside your home and send it outside. This component is called the condenser. Also included are a blower and refrigerant. The blower and refrigerant help further regulate cool air alongside the condenser.
Together, they work together to make sure that you have the comfortable temperatures in your home that you want all year long.
What are the Parts of a Heat Pump Split System?
A heat pump split system has two main components to be aware of. The first is located outside the home and is a compressor. The second is located inside the house and is the air handler unit.
The two units are linked together via what is called a conduit. This is where not only the power cable is located but also refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and more.
These components allow heat pump split systems to act as an effective, energy-efficient alternative to a traditional air conditioner or furnace. Because of the ease at which they can be installed, they're typically seen as an ideal solution for all climates.
First established in 2005, Superior Home Supplies is an organization dedicated to helping customers everywhere get the most out of their investment in HVAC. If you're looking for a Goodman air handler, you've come to the right place.
We have relationships with all national manufacturers that, when coupled with our exceptional service, allow us to become a true partner in your success in every sense of the term. Our Goodman air handler selection is just one example.
If you'd like to find out more information about the air handler unit in your HVAC system, or if you'd like to speak to someone about your own situation in a bit more detail, please don't delay - contact Superior Home Supplies today.
