What Is An Air Handling Unit (AHU)?

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a core component of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. It's a large box that houses various components to condition and circulate air throughout a building. Essentially, the AHU takes in air, filters it, adjusts its temperature and humidity, and then distributes it through ductwork to create a comfortable indoor environment.

Key Functions:

Air Circulation:

AHUs use fans (blowers) to move air throughout the HVAC system.

Air Filtration:

Filters within the AHU remove dust, allergens, and other particles from the air, improving air quality.

Temperature Control:

AHUs can heat or cool air using coils (heating or cooling) to achieve the desired temperature.

Humidity Control:

Some AHUs include components to add or remove moisture from the air, controlling humidity levels for comfort.

Air Mixing:

AHUs can mix outside air with return air to achieve the desired temperature and ventilation.

Components:

Blower/Fan: Moves air through the system.

Heating/Cooling Coils: Heat or cool the air.

Filters: Remove particulate matter.

Dampers: Control airflow and mixing.

Humidifier/Dehumidifier: Control humidity levels.

Other components: May include mixing boxes, sound attenuators, and more.

Importance:

AHUs are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment in various settings, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, hospitals, and industrial facilities. They ensure that buildings have adequate ventilation and that the air is conditioned to the desired temperature and humidity levels.