More commonly known as air conditioners or heat pumps, split-systems are comprised of two parts, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, plus ductwork to circulate the air. For this month’s topic for what’s the difference, we’re discussing what separates furnaces and air handlers. If you have a furnace you shouldn't need to worry about an air handler. 1" vs 5" Furnace Filter, Does It Matter? Downflow Vs. Upflow Furnace. Furnace. A furnace is a heat source. Let's concentrate on furnaces and air handlers. Furnaces remain a great option for cold climates. Every Trane HVAC air handling unit (AHU) can be paired with an air conditioner or heat pump to efficiently circulate cool or warm air … If you are the type who likes having fewer appliances, then install furnace in order to cut … When the desired temperature is sensed by the thermostat, the furnaces shut off their heating elements. What about both? So you get the reliability of Trane and the options to work within your specific system and budget. Some units also provide backup heating and cooling elements to help out the heat pump. If you have a furnace you won't need to think about an air handler. Furnace Keep your home’s interior at the ideal temperature with the right type of heating device for your climate and budget. So wait, if an air conditioner cools, and a furnace heats, you’re set, right? The two units can be mixed up from time to time, because with certain heating and cooling systems, they can perform similar functions. When the thermostat calls for heat, gas and oil furnaces start burning fuel. Mon-Tue 7:30a-7p, Wed-Thu 8a-6p, Fri 8a-6a, Sat 10a-3p CT. About Us; Support; Customer Stories; Alpine Home Air Products Air AMERICA'S HEATING & COOLING STORE™ EST. One of the primary energy consumers in your heating system is the furnace blower motor. When the refrigerant enters the coil in the air handler, it releases that heat. ECM's are DC motors that function using a built-in inverter and a magnet rotor, and as a result are able to achieve greater efficiency than most AC motors. Air handlers can have heating strips within their system, but that is mainly used to assist the heat pump in extreme colds. They use the coil to distribute heat gathered outside. Hydronic Air Handler. At Home Comfort Experts, we install heat pumps and furnace & AC systems in Indiana homes, so here is a basic rundown of the differences between them. The blower motor uses less electricity than other types of motors. A hydronic air handler can also cool the home as the water within the system can drop by about 20 degrees. The difference between an air handler and a furnace is that a furnace creates and moves heat. An air handler moves heated and cooled air in a forced-air system. Cooler air is drawn through an intake vent to return to the furnace. A multi-position furnace or air handler, on the other hand, can be set to process the air however the homeowner would like. Heat Mode: Heat pump systems use air handlers too. What’s the … Air handlers and furnaces don't normally pair together. Which is Better – an Air Handler or Furnace? The PB&J of HVAC Each furnace comes with a specific efficiency rating, the AFUE, and A/C units rely on the SEERrating. Air Handler With Heat Pump Air To Air Handler. Air handlers are paired with heat pumps or, in rare cases, just an AC. Homes with a furnace also require a separate unit for air conditioning, while heat pumps act as a two-in-one. The larger the home, the bigger the furnace or air handler should be – the more CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air it should move. Some air handlers also provide secondary heating and cooling components to help out the heat pump. Furnaces are paired with ACs in split systems. The lights dim slightly, and a rush of air pours out of the vents or registers. Chat live now. Copyright © 2014-2021, PICKHVAC All Rights Reserved. The most common type of air handler found in homes are known as terminal units which consist of an air filter, blower and coil. The main difference is that the air handlers only circulate heat when paired with a heat pump. Furnace & AC Combo Many of our customers ask us about the difference between an air conditioner/furnace heating and cooling system and a heat pump system. In fact, in some ways they are more alike than different. This is the corollary of them not making heat. As such, the placement of a downflow furnace is commonly in attic space, although it can also be placed in a garage or on the main level of a home. Both can use ductwork to deliver heated air. When the combustion box/heat exchanger or the electric coil gets hot, the blower starts. Even when your AC or furnace isn’t running, the variable speed blower stays on most of the time, but at a low, energy efficient setting. 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