Air Handler Vs Furnace

When it comes to heating and cooling systems, two common options are air handlers and furnaces. While they both serve the same purpose of keeping your home comfortable, there are some key differences between the two that can affect their performance and efficiency. In this article, we will compare air handlers and furnaces to help you make an informed decision when choosing a heating and cooling system for your home.

What is an Air Handler?

An air handler is a device that circulates air throughout your home, either as part of a heating or cooling system or as a standalone unit. It typically contains a blower, heating or cooling coils, a filter, and sometimes a humidifier or dehumidifier. Air handlers can be used in conjunction with a heat pump or electric heating elements to provide heating, and with a central air conditioning system to provide cooling.

One of the benefits of an air handler is its ability to provide precise control over the temperature and humidity levels in your home. This is because air handlers are designed to work with a variety of heating and cooling equipment, giving you more flexibility in how you heat and cool your home. Additionally, air handlers tend to be quieter than furnaces, as they do not use a combustion process to generate heat.

What is a Furnace?

A furnace is a device that heats your home by burning fuel such as gas, oil, or propane. It contains a combustion chamber, heat exchanger, blower, and venting system. When you turn up your thermostat, the furnace heats the air and then circulates it through your home using the blower. Furnaces can be very efficient and can provide a lot of heat quickly, making them a good choice for colder climates.

One of the main benefits of a furnace is its ability to provide high levels of heat quickly. Furnaces can also be very efficient, with many modern models boasting efficiency ratings of 90% or higher. However, because furnaces use a combustion process to generate heat, they can be noisy and require regular maintenance to ensure safe operation.

Comparison of Air Handlers and Furnaces

Now that we have a better understanding of what air handlers and furnaces are, let's compare the two based on some key factors:

Efficiency: Both air handlers and furnaces can be efficient, but it depends on the specific model and the type of fuel used. Air handlers tend to be more efficient when used with a heat pump or electric heating elements, while furnaces can be very efficient when burning natural gas or propane.

Cost: The cost of an air handler or furnace will depend on the size and type of unit, as well as installation costs. Generally, air handlers tend to be less expensive than furnaces, especially when used as part of a heat pump system.

Noise: Air handlers tend to be quieter than furnaces, as they do not use a combustion process to generate heat. However, the noise level will depend on the specific model and installation.

Maintenance: Both air handlers and furnaces require regular maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. However, furnaces require more maintenance due to the combustion process.

Conclusion

Both air handlers and furnaces have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you live in a mild climate and want precise control over your indoor temperature and humidity levels, an air handler may be the better choice. If you live in a colder climate and want quick and efficient heating, a furnace may be the better choice. Ultimately, it's important to do your research and consult with a qualified HVAC professional to help you choose the best heating and cooling system for your home.