Air Handler Vs Furnace: Which Is Best For Your Home?
If you’re dreaming of a more comfortable home, it might be time to consider updating your outdated HVAC system. Exploring the latest HVAC models can lead you to the perfect replacement. The process might seem daunting, but it becomes manageable with guidance from a skilled HVAC professional. Understanding technical jargon can also be challenging; however, educating yourself can clear up any confusion. This article by Hart Home Comfort explores the distinctions between air handler vs furnace.
Comparing Air Handler vs Furnace: Key Differences Explained
Table of Contents
- 1 Comparing Air Handler vs Furnace: Key Differences Explained
- 2 Key Differences Between Furnaces and Air Handlers
- 3 Similar Operating Principles of Air Handlers and Furnaces
- 4 The Benefits and Drawbacks of Furnaces versus Air Handlers
- 5 Assessing Cost-Effectiveness: Air Handler vs Furnace
- 6 Heating System FAQs
- 6.1 What Steps Can I Take to Boost the Heating Efficiency of My Air Handler or Furnace?
- 6.2 What Is the Most Efficient Heating Strategy for Winter?
- 6.3 How Does Climate Impact My Choice Between an Air Handler and a Furnace?
- 6.4 What Are the Indicators of an Inefficient Heating System?
- 6.5 Can an Air Handler Function as the Main Heat Source?
- 6.6 How Can I Prolong the Lifespan of My Heating System, Be It an Air Handler or a Furnace?
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 Reach Out to Hart Home Comfort for All Your HVAC Needs
You may have come across favorable reviews of air handler vs furnace, leaving you puzzled about the best option for your home. Despite their similarities and shared features, choosing between them isn’t always clear-cut. The ideal solution varies based on individual needs. By understanding their distinct advantages and drawbacks, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed choice effortlessly.
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Understanding the Air Handler
Air is distributed throughout the home via a series of ducts in a forced-air heating and cooling system. However, air requires a push to move through these ducts. This is where a powerful fan, often referred to as a blower, comes into play. Within HVAC systems, the unit housing this blower is known as the “air handler.”
The air handler doesn’t just assist in moving air; it also houses coils that modify the air’s temperature and humidity. For instance, cooling coils extract heat from the air, thus lowering its temperature. These coils also help reduce humidity by causing moisture in the air to condense into water.
Exploring the Function of a Furnace
A furnace operates by generating heat through the combustion of fuel. Natural gas is the fuel of choice in most parts of the United States. However, in the Northeast, heating oil is more commonly used. Electric furnaces are also available but are less favored due to their lower efficiency.
Every furnace is equipped with a blower fan. When the temperature in a home falls below the set threshold, the furnace activates to produce heat. Concurrently, the blower fan starts, drawing in cold air, heating it, and circulating warmed air throughout the home via ducts.
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Key Differences Between Furnaces and Air Handlers
While furnaces and air handlers are integral to a home’s HVAC system, they serve distinctly different heating and air distribution roles.
Air Handlers Can’t Create Heat Like A Furnace Does
An air handler is specifically designed for circulating air and cannot generate heat. It simply pushes air through the ductwork. In contrast, a furnace harnesses fuel sources to actively produce heat and warm the air distributed throughout your home.
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Every Air Handler Has A Coil That Conditions the Air
While air handlers are not equipped to generate heat, they invariably contain coils that can modify air temperature and humidity, mimicking some effects of heating. An external air conditioner or heat pump supplies the heat exchanged through these coils. In contrast, furnaces may include coils if integrated with a central air conditioning system, though this is not always the case.
Similar Operating Principles of Air Handlers and Furnaces
Each manufacturer designs unique models of air handlers and furnaces, yet these equipment types share several core components. The following similarities are commonly observed:
Speed Variations in Air Handlers and Furnaces
Both types of equipment are available in traditional single-speed models, which operate either at full capacity or not at all. Additionally, newer models offer variable-speed capabilities, allowing them to adjust from low to high speeds. This adaptability enhances efficiency and overall performance.
Dependability in Winter Conditions
Furnaces stand out as dependable allies during the cold months, capable of generating substantial heat to maintain warmth even in harsh winter conditions. Similarly, air handlers paired with heat pumps can provide heating, though they are generally more effective in milder winter climates.
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Thermostat Control in HVAC Systems
A thermostat controls air handlers and furnaces, dictating when they activate or deactivate. If the indoor temperature deviates from the thermostat settings, the units’ blowers engage to circulate warm air through the ducts.
Variety of Sizes Available
Whether choosing an air handler or a furnace, you can find them in various sizes to suit different heating needs. Consult with your HVAC contractor for accurate size calculations, ensuring the equipment selected is optimally matched to your home’s requirements.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Furnaces versus Air Handlers
Here are the pros and cons of furnaces vs. air handlers:
The Pros of Furnaces
- Exceptional heating capacity for extremely cold conditions
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Potential for reduced energy expenses
The Cons of Furnaces
- Less versatility compared to air handlers paired with heat pumps
- Less effective in areas with mild winters and hot summers
- Reliance on fossil fuels, which can cause harm to the environment
The Pros of Air Handlers
- Compatible with heat pumps for versatile heating and cooling
- Compact design facilitates easier installation
- Eliminates risks associated with gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning
The Cons of Air Handlers
- Indoor blowers can be noisy
- Potential for refrigerant leaks from the coils
- Inefficient performance in temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit
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Assessing Cost-Effectiveness: Air Handler vs Furnace
It’s challenging to compare the cost-effectiveness of air handlers and furnaces directly due to their differing functionalities. Furnaces provide heat generation and distribution, whereas air handlers primarily focus on distribution. However, when an air handler is combined with a heat pump, the comparison becomes more apt.
In terms of initial costs, including acquisition and installation, heat pumps generally command about twice the investment required for furnaces. While this price difference is significant, it doesn’t automatically rule out heat pumps as a viable option.
Consider that heat pumps can offer heating and cooling capabilities, making them useful year-round. In contrast, furnaces are solely for heating, restricting their use to the colder seasons.
Heating System FAQs
What Steps Can I Take to Boost the Heating Efficiency of My Air Handler or Furnace?
To increase heating efficiency, adopt a proactive maintenance routine that includes regularly cleaning or replacing air filters and arranging professional inspections annually. Additionally, sealing ductwork leaks and implementing a programmable thermostat can substantially decrease energy use while ensuring your home remains comfortably heated.
What Is the Most Efficient Heating Strategy for Winter?
The optimal way to heat your home efficiently during winter depends on your home’s unique attributes, but often, it includes maintaining a steady temperature using a programmable or smart thermostat. Making sure your heating system is appropriately sized for your space and improving home insulation to eliminate drafts are crucial steps to boost efficiency and comfort throughout the colder months.
How Does Climate Impact My Choice Between an Air Handler and a Furnace?
The climate significantly influences the decision to opt for an air handler or a furnace. A furnace is typically more suitable in areas experiencing severe cold winters because of its robust heating power. On the other hand, in regions with milder winters and warmer summers, an air handler combined with a heat pump provides a flexible and efficient option for heating and cooling your home.
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What Are the Indicators of an Inefficient Heating System?
Signs that your heating system may lack efficiency include inconsistent heating throughout your home, escalating energy bills, frequent breakdowns, and the system operating persistently without sufficiently warming the space. These symptoms could indicate that your system is outdated, improperly sized for your home, or urgently requires maintenance.
Can an Air Handler Function as the Main Heat Source?
Yes, an air handler can act as the primary heat source when paired with a heat pump. This combination works exceptionally well in regions where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The heat pump generates the necessary warmth, while the air handler efficiently circulates it throughout your home.
How Can I Prolong the Lifespan of My Heating System, Be It an Air Handler or a Furnace?
To extend the lifespan of your heating system, prioritize consistent maintenance. This includes routinely cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting and sealing any ductwork leaks, and scheduling annual check-ups with an HVAC professional to identify and address potential problems early on. These practices ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably for many years.
Conclusion
Considering all the factors, choosing between an air handler vs furnace depends mainly on your local climate. A heat pump matched with an air handler provides year-round comfort for areas with mild winters and hot summers. In contrast, if you experience mild summers and harsh winters, a furnace offers an economical choice with adequate heating. If your climate falls somewhere in between, it’s best to consult an HVAC professional to determine the most suitable solution for your home.
Reach Out to Hart Home Comfort for All Your HVAC Needs
Hart Home Comfort proudly provides top-notch heating and cooling services throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, New York. Our highly skilled and professionally certified technicians excel in delivering quality HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each technician has the expertise and experience needed to precisely service your system.
At Hart Home Comfort, we offer some of the region’s most competitive rates for heating and cooling services. Our maintenance solutions can enhance your comfort and boost energy efficiency while lowering your home’s heating and cooling expenses. Should you require a repair or a new HVAC system, our experts can recommend the most suitable option for your home that fits within your budget. We stand by the quality of our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Contact Hart Home Comfort today to schedule a service appointment and enjoy a free, in-home estimate.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more! Click the link to view our service area.
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