Summers in Phoenix, AZ often go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to have a reliable system to cool your home when the temps rise. With so many options to choose from, you may wonder about the differences between an air handler vs an air conditioner.
Fortunately, the experienced pros at 1st Choice Mechanical Cooling and Heating are HVAC experts with years of experience in AC and air handler maintenance and installation. We have insights into the functionality of each, and can help you determine if an air handler or air conditioner is the best option for you.
Air Handlers: Functions and Components
What is an air handler? An air handler is an important HVAC component that circulates the air and is commonly used in heat pumps or traditional air conditioners. Here’s what you need to know about its many functions and components.
- Circulation: An air handler circulates air through your ductwork and into different rooms of your home.
- Cooling: They work with air conditioners to cool the ambient temperature by circulating it over an evaporator coil that absorbs the heat and cools the air.
- Filtration: An air handler also filters air to remove debris, dust, and other airborne particles to support healthy indoor air quality.
- Blower: This component is a fan that draws air into the air handler, then circulates it through your home’s ductwork.
- Evaporator coil: An evaporator coil absorbs heat from the air and cools it down before circulating it into your home.
Air Conditioners: Functions and Components
An air conditioner uses refrigerant to absorb heat from outside air and release cooled air inside. It requires several components to function, including a compressor, blower, refrigerant, expansion valve, evaporator, and condenser.
- Compressor: This part is found in the outdoor unit and is the heart of your air conditioner, compressing refrigerant gas to a high pressure to keep cooled air flowing.
- Evaporator: This component is found inside the air handler and absorbs heat from the air as the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas to cool the air.
- Condenser: A condenser is located in the outdoor unit near the compressor and releases heat absorbed by the refrigerant into the environment while condensing it back into a liquid.
- Expansion valve: This valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator to make sure it remains at the appropriate temperature for efficient cooling.
- Refrigerant: AC refrigerant is a fluid that absorbs heat into the evaporator and releases it in the condenser, circulating through the system in a loop to support the cooling process.
- Blower: The blower or fan is located in the air handler and circulates air through the air conditioning system and moves cool air from the evaporator into the ductwork to keep your home cool.
Key Differences Between Air Handlers and Air Conditioners
The most distinct difference between an air handler and an air conditioner is that air handlers circulate cooled air, while air conditioners produce cooled air. The two sometimes work together to help cool indoor air. Air handlers are typically located indoors, while air conditioners are commonly located outdoors. In terms of cost, air handlers usually cost less since they don’t require as many parts and are only responsible for circulating cool air rather than creating it.
Think of an air handler like a set of “lungs” that distributes cool air into your home, while an air conditioner is the “heart” that creates and pumps cool air into your home. Most air handlers are installed in an attic, basement, or utility closet, while air conditioners are typically located outside somewhere near your home’s foundation. Overall, the biggest difference is that an air handler can’t cool the air by itself, but instead moves the cooled air around in conjunction with an air conditioner.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between an Air Handler and an Air Conditioner
Keep these factors in mind when choosing between an air handler and an air conditioner.
- Most air conditioners use a blower motor and blower fan to move the air, so an air handler isn’t always required.
- If you have a furnace or heat pump, an air handler may be necessary to circulate and move cooled or warmed air over the evaporator coil.
- When it comes to an air handler vs condenser, a condenser is installed outside and uses a compressor and condenser coil, while an air handler is located inside and uses a blower and air filter.
- You cannot use an air handler alone to cool the air in your home, since it relies on working with other components to operate effectively.
- You can use an air conditioner without an air handler thanks to the refrigerant, condenser, and blower.
Applications and Uses of Air Handlers and Air Conditioners
Here’s what you need to know about the different applications and uses of air handlers and air conditioners.
Air handlers
Air handlers work with air conditioners to circulate cooled air produced by the AC, and can work with heat pumps to circulate both cooled and warmed air. Use this component in homes as part of a central HVAC system to circulate air through ducts, or it may be used on commercial buildings to help circulate treated air throughout a larger space.
Air conditioners
As the name implies, air conditioners “condition” the air by removing heat and humidity before distributing cooled air into your home. These units use refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, transfer it outside, then circulate the cooled air back indoors. Air conditioners come in several types, including central air conditioners, ductless split systems, and heat pumps.
Thinking About Installing an Air Conditioner or Air Handler? Contact the Team at 1st Choice Mechanical to Learn About How We Can Help
If you’re interested in installing a new air conditioner or air handler in your Arizona home, the team at 1st Choice Mechanical Cooling and Heating is available to help. We’ve earned a strong reputation for our reliability, expertise, and professionalism, offering a range of services to keep your home comfortable all year round. If you’re interested in any of our comprehensive HVAC services, contact us today!