An air handler unit is a component of a heating and cooling system that helps circulate air throughout a building. There are a number of different types of air handlers available on the market today. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at air handlers and the various types of air handlers.
Air Handlers
An air handler is a device that circulates air inside a building. It is usually located in the basement or attic. Air handlers can be electric or gas-powered. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on the amount of air they need to circulate.
Air handlers are important for two reasons. First, they help maintain a comfortable temperature in the building. Second, they help circulate air, which can improve the air quality in the building.
Terminal Units
Terminal units, also called fan coil units, are small air handlers that typically only have an air filter, blower, and coil. They are commonly used to condition spaces that are too small to justify the use of a central air conditioning system. Fan coil units are also used to provide supplemental cooling or heating in spaces where a central system is already in place.
Terminal units are available in both gas and electric models. The gas models use a natural gas furnace to heat the air, while the electric models use a heating element to heat the air.
Makeup Air Units
A makeup air unit (MAU) is a type of air handler that is used to provide fresh air to a building or area. MAUs are typically used in conjunction with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to provide a controlled environment. MAUs are also used to dilute and exhaust indoor air pollutants.
There are several types of MAUs, including centrifugal, cross-flow, and plug-flow. Centrifugal MAUs are the most common type, and they use a fan to move air around a circular path. Cross-flow MAUs use a fan to move air in a straight line, and plug-flow MAUs use a fan to move air in a zig-zag pattern.
MAUs have several components, including an air inlet, a fan, a motor, a heat exchanger, and an air outlet. The air inlet is used to bring in fresh air, the fan is used to move the air around, the motor is used to power the fan, the heat exchanger is used to heat or cool the air, and the air outlet is used to expel the air.
Rooftop Units
Rooftop units (RTUs) are larger air handlers that are typically only used outdoors and are mounted on roofs. They are used to condition the air in a building by blowing it through a coil that is cooled by a refrigerant. The refrigerant is then pumped back to the compressor to start the process over again. RTUs are popular in warm climates where using a traditional air conditioning unit inside the building would be too costly or wouldn’t be effective. However, RTUs are usually only used for commercial applications.
How to Choose the Right Air Handler
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an air handler. The first step is to determine the size of the unit you need. As you can see, air handlers come in a variety of sizes, so you need to find one that is the right fit for your home or business.
Another important factor to consider is the type of heating and cooling system the air handler will be used with. Air handlers can be used with forced air heating and cooling systems, or with radiant heating and cooling systems. Forced air systems are the most common type of heating and cooling system. They use a fan to circulate air through the home. Radiant heating and cooling systems use hot water or electricity to heat and cool the home.
Once you have considered these factors, you can begin to narrow down your choices. You can use online calculators to help you determine the size and type of air handler that is best for your home or business. It would be best to also consult with a professional HVAC contractor to help you choose the right air handler for your needs.
Handling Your Air
There are numerous types of air handlers on the market today, and the best one for you depends on your unique needs. Now that you’re familiar with some of the most common air handlers, you can find the best fit for you.
