When it comes to keeping your HVAC system well-maintained, it’s important to know the basic components and what they do for your home. Understanding how your HVAC system works will help you troubleshoot problems and describe issues to maintenance technicians. One thing that people in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, may not know is how an air handler differs from an air conditioner.
What Is an Air Handler?
An air handler controls where air moves in your home. While people use the term “blower” to mean an air handler, it’s actually part of the air handler unit.
What Is an Air Conditioner?
An air conditioner cools down the home and removes humidity from the air. The AC unit cools the air by moving warm air over a refrigerant coil that contains a coolant. One misconception about air conditioners is that people believe the units add cold air when, in reality, they just remove heat.
Difference 1: Moving Air
Air handlers only move air around; they don’t heat or cool the home. The air conditioner is the device that removes heat from within the home in order to lower the temperature indoors.
Difference 2: Location
Air handlers are typically found inside the home, while you’ll find AC units outside the home. An air handler connects to both AC and heating systems to move air around, so you may need maintenance on your air handler even during the cold months when the heater is running.
Difference 3: Blower
With air handlers, the internal blower moves conditioned air throughout the home. Without an air handler, the cooler air finds its own way.
Fall is right around the corner. From installing a pool heater to performing maintenance on your heating unit before those chilly nights arrive, we’re here for your every HVAC need. Contact Stephen K. Denny, Inc. today for your heating and cooling maintenance needs. We’re always ready and able to help.
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