An air handler is like your home’s lungs in that it plays a vital role in keeping indoor air comfortable and clean. Let’s take a closer look at how an air handler impacts your home’s air.
How an Air Handler Works
An air handler is a large metal cabinet that houses your indoor HVAC components. It works together with the outdoor HVAC unit (heat pump or condenser) to condition and distribute the air that’s flowing throughout your home. If you have a central air conditioner/furnace setup, the blower of the furnace serves as the air handler.
The air handler contains components like a blower motor, an evaporator coil, and an air filter. In the summer, the air handler draws warm air from your house and blows it across the evaporator coil. The cold coil removes heat from the air. The cooled air is then blown throughout your home through the ductwork while the captured heat moves to the outdoor unit, where it’s dissipated.
The Air Handler and Indoor Air Quality
You can add some devices to your air handler for increased air purification and indoor air quality. These devices include:
- UV lights
- Dehumidifier
- Electronic air cleaner
The air handler filter captures particulates from the air to protect the other HVAC components. Depending on its capture rate, it can remove pet dander, mold, and bacteria from your home’s air. To promote healthier breathing and efficient AC operation, change the filter every one to three months.
Having your air handler serviced is also key to having a clean system. During professional maintenance, your technician will clean air handler components like the coils and condensate drain.
As you can see, an air handler plays an important role in your overall heating and cooling system. If you need HVAC repairs, maintenance, or indoor air-quality products to add to your air handler in the Dayton area, don’t hesitate to contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services.
