What is an Air Handler?
An air handler is the indoor component of many HVAC systems. Its job is to move conditioned air through your home. You’ll find air handlers paired with:
- A heat pump + air handler
- An AC unit + air handler
These systems are designed to match in capacity and efficiency so the whole setup works seamlessly.
Inside the air handler cabinet, you’ll typically find:
- Evaporator coil
- Blower fan
- Control board
- Optional electric heat strips
- Filter rack
- Possible UV lights for mold prevention in humid climates
Some people call this unit an “air handler,” “air handler unit,” or “air handling unit”—they’re all referring to the same thing.
How an Air Handler Works
An air handler doesn’t actually heat or cool the air on its own. Instead, it moves air across the evaporator coil, which is where heat is added or removed, depending on whether you’re heating or cooling.
Here’s the cycle:
- The blower fan pulls air from the return vents.
- Air passes through the HVAC filter or whole-home air cleaner.
- Air moves across the evaporator coil for heating or cooling.
- The blower sends conditioned air through the ductwork and out your supply vents.
Then the cycle repeats, continuously circulating and filtering the air in your home.
Air Handler vs. Furnace: What’s the Difference?
From the outside, a furnace and an air handler can look similar—both are metal cabinets placed in a basement, attic, closet, or crawl space. But inside, they work very differently.
Air Handler
- Contains a coil, blower fan, and control board
- Paired with an AC or heat pump
- Moves cool air in summer
- Moves warm air in winter when paired with a heat pump
- May include auxiliary heat strips for backup heating during sudden temperature drops
Furnace
- Contains ignitors, burners, and a heat exchanger
- Uses gas, oil, or propane to create heat
- Still includes a blower fan, which circulates cooled air in summer
- Acts like an air handler when paired with a central AC system
Simply put: Air handlers move air. Furnaces create heat.
Maintaining Your Air Handler
Routine maintenance protects your comfort, improves efficiency, and extends equipment life. Ideally, you should schedule HVAC service twice a year, once in spring and once in fall.
A technician will typically:
- Inspect system performance
- Clean the blower fan and motor
- Check and clean the evaporator coil
- Lubricate moving components
- Tighten connections and check controls
- Service the outdoor heat pump or AC unit
What you can do
Replace your air filter every 30–90 days. If you have pets, allergies, or high pollen in your area, check it more often. A clean filter helps airflow, improves indoor air quality, and reduces strain on the system.
Trane Air Handlers: What Sets Them Apart
Trane offers air handlers with single-speed or variable-speed blower motors.
Variable-speed models offer:
- Soft, quiet startups
- Improved humidity control
- Consistent airflow
- Higher energy efficiency
- Enhanced comfort through Trane’s Comfort-R™ airflow technology
With improved performance and more innovative airflow management, variable-speed units often provide the best balance of comfort and efficiency.
Rebates and Tax Credits
When paired with a qualifying heat pump, certain Trane air handler combinations may qualify for:
- A $2,000 federal tax credit
- Additional state or income-based heat pump rebates
These incentives apply to eligible systems installed before December 31, 2025.
If you’re planning a system replacement or your current system needs attention, connect with your local Trane dealer. They can help you compare options, diagnose comfort issues, or keep your existing equipment running smoothly with professional maintenance.
