Types of Air Handlers

Types of Air Handlers

1. Packaged Air Handlers (PAH)

Packaged air handlers integrate all key components into a single, self-contained unit. This design simplifies installation and maintenance.

Key components: Typically include fans, filters, coils (for heating/cooling), and sometimes compressors (in packaged HVAC systems).

Common use cases: Ideal for small to medium commercial spaces (e.g., retail stores, small offices) or residential applications where space is limited.

Advantage: No need for separate indoor and outdoor units, reducing on-site assembly work.

2. Rooftop Air Handlers (RTU)

Rooftop air handlers are installed on building rooftops, making them a space-saving choice for commercial buildings.

Design focus: Built to withstand outdoor elements (e.g., rain, wind, temperature fluctuations) with weather-resistant casings.

Common use cases: Large commercial buildings (e.g., malls, office towers, schools) where ground or indoor space is scarce.

Advantage: Centralized installation minimizes indoor noise and frees up interior space for other uses.

3. Indoor Air Handlers

Indoor air handlers are installed inside the building, often in utility rooms, basements, or ceiling cavities. They work with separate outdoor units (e.g., heat pumps, condensers) in split-system HVAC setups.

Core function: Distribute conditioned air (heated or cooled) through ductwork to different zones.

Common use cases: Residential homes, apartments, and small commercial spaces where outdoor installation is not feasible.

Variations: Some models include auxiliary heating elements (e.g., electric strips) for cold climates.

4. Modular Air Handlers

Modular air handlers consist of prefabricated, interchangeable modules that can be combined to match specific capacity requirements.

Flexibility: Modules (e.g., fan modules, filter modules, coil modules) can be added or removed to scale cooling/heating capacity as needed.

Common use cases: Large industrial facilities, data centers, or buildings with variable load demands (e.g., hospitals with changing occupancy).

Advantage: Easy to expand or modify without replacing the entire unit, reducing long-term costs.