Is An Air Handler A Heat Pump?

Is an air handler a heat pump?

No, an air handler is not a heat pump, though they can work together in an HVAC system. Here’s how they differ:

Air Handler

Function: An air handler circulates and conditions air within a building.

Components: Includes a blower, filters, heating and cooling coils, and dampers.

Role: It is primarily responsible for distributing conditioned air (heated or cooled) throughout the space.

Heat Pump

Function: A heat pump is a system that can both heat and cool a building by transferring heat.

Components: Includes a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve.

Role: It absorbs heat from the outside air (or ground) and transfers it indoors for heating or removes heat from indoors for cooling.

Key Differences

Purpose: The heat pump generates heat by transferring it, while the air handler distributes that heat (or cooled air) throughout the building.

Operation: Heat pumps can operate in both heating and cooling modes, while air handlers manage the air distribution regardless of the source of heating or cooling.