Air Handlers

Air handlers are a system-like device used in ventilating systems. Air handlers typically consist of a blower, heat exchange medium for heat or air conditioning, and housing. An air-conditioning system is a good example of an air handler. An air-handler unit is the main component of an air-conditioning system. An air-handler unit includes various dampers, an air filter, heating and cooling coils, and a fan. Dampers control the flow of outside air, return air, and mixed air. The air filter removes dust particles from the air, heating and cooling coils condition the air, and the fan delivers the conditioned air to various parts of the building. Air handling effectively circulates conditioned air throughout a space. When matched with a heat pump, air handling circulates both cool and hot air, depending on the season. There are several types of air handlers. Examples include an HVAC air handler, air filter handler, and hot water air handlers. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These three functions of HVAC Air Handler are closely interrelated and control the temperature and humidity of the air within a building. Air filter handlers remove dust from an air stream as the dust-laden air passes through them. Hot water air handlers consist of a hot water coil, the air handler, a condenser and/or furnace, and a water heater or boiler. Other air handlers are commonly available.

There are several ways in which air handlers function. Air handlers are used for both commercial and residential purposes. A commercial air handler is normally a very large system moving 2000 CFM to 10,000 CFM and higher. A commercial air handler may be mounted on a roof or in large mechanical rooms located in a building. A commercial air handler has an economizer or inlet damper that allows for a small amount of outside air or make-up air to be pulled in through the air handler. In an air handler residential system, heat pumps or air conditioners along with air handlers compile a quality heating and cooling system, which can be installed for non-commercial purposes. All air handlers are designed to move a certain amount of air (in both the heating and cooling modes) at an approximate pressure drop. For example, a 3-ton heating/cooling system may be designed to move up to 1200 CFM at a total system static pressure of 0.5" (w.g.) with a ½ Hp motor. Air handlers are designed and manufactured to meet most industry specifications.

Air handlers are used in many applications. For example they can be used for providing smoke control, maintaining pressure relationships between spaces, and providing fresh air for occupants. Air handlers provide heating, cooling, ventilation, and humidity control for a building. Air handlers should adhere to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards to provide good air filtration and to protect heating and cooling systems equipment without adding much in static pressure or pressure drop.

• Control of VAV Systems With DX Cooling: A Digital to Analog Conversion (.pdf)
  The use of direct expansion cooling coils in VAV air handlers offers many advantages over air handlers with water coils. DX coils can be more efficient, they eliminate the freeze problem, and...
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• Advanced Energy
  In an attempt to provide non-medicinal aids to patients, a notable number of allergists tell allergy sufferers to turn their air handlers on permanently, rather than letting the system cycle them on...
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• Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre Resolves Maintenance Problem and Reduces Energy Consumption (.pdf)
  The WCM was experiencing severe problems caused by the fouling of cooling coils and other components of its cooling systems. Air conditioning was affected, medical equipment was deteriorating and the...
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Part Numbers for Air Handlers