The main difference between an AC (air conditioning) unit and an air handler lies in their functions within an HVAC system. Here's a breakdown of their differences:
AC Unit: The AC unit is the outdoor component of an HVAC system responsible for cooling the air. It contains the compressor, condenser, and refrigerant, which work together to extract heat from indoor air and transfer it outside, resulting in cool air being circulated back into the building.
Air Handler: The air handler, on the other hand, is the indoor component of the HVAC system that circulates conditioned air throughout the building. It includes a blower fan, evaporator coil, and filter. The air handler is responsible for pulling in air from the building, passing it over the evaporator coil to remove heat and moisture, and then distributing the cooled and dehumidified air back into the space.
The AC unit cools the air, while the air handler circulates and conditions the air within the building. Both components work together to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.