Your Air Handler: The Hidden Hero of Home Comfort
Your HVAC system does more than heat or cool your home. It keeps the air circulating, clean, and consistent. At the center of it all is the air handler, an indoor component that delivers comfort to every room.
TL;DR: The air handler works with your heat pump or AC to move conditioned air through your home. Regular tune-ups keep it efficient, quiet, and reliable year-round.
What Does an Air Handler Do?
An air handler is the indoor part of your HVAC system that circulates heated or cooled air through ductwork. It works alongside your heat pump or air conditioner to push air evenly throughout your home, keeping you comfortable during Tacoma and Lakewood’s damp winters and mild summers.
A typical air handler includes:
- Blower motor – moves air through ducts
- Evaporator coil – cools or dehumidifies air
- Air filter – captures dust, allergens, and debris
- Control system – manages temperature and airflow
While your heat pump or AC provides the heating and cooling, the air handler makes sure that conditioned air reaches every corner of your home.
Where Is an Air Handler Installed?
Air handlers are installed indoors, often in the attic, basement, or a utility closet. In Tacoma and Pierce County homes, they are typically paired with outdoor heat pumps to circulate air efficiently through the house.
In ductless mini-split systems, the wall-mounted indoor unit functions as an air handler. This design provides comfort without traditional ductwork and is especially popular in Bonney Lake and Lake Tapps homes.
Air Handler vs. Furnace: What Is the Difference?
Both move air, but they work differently. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right maintenance plan or system upgrade.
Furnace
- Generates heat using gas or electricity
- Includes a blower to distribute warm air
- Best for colder climates or high heat demand
Air Handler
- Moves air but does not produce heat
- Works with a heat pump or AC system
- Ideal for Western Washington’s mild climate
If your home uses a heat pump system, you likely have an air handler instead of a furnace. It is a key part of an efficient HVAC system.
Does an Air Handler Need Maintenance?
Yes. Regular maintenance helps your air handler run efficiently and prevents problems like poor airflow or frozen coils. During a tune-up, technicians inspect and clean the coil, blower, and filter to ensure proper performance.
At Pacific Heating & Cooling, our
Precision Tune-Ups include a complete air handler inspection and cleaning, all backed by our No Worry, No Breakdown Guarantee.
When to Upgrade or Replace Your Air Handler
If your HVAC system struggles to maintain airflow, makes unusual noises, or is more than 12 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Replacing your air handler can improve comfort, reduce energy use, and lower bills for homes in Puyallup, Renton, and Gig Harbor.
Newer models with variable-speed blowers and smart controls adapt to your home’s needs, improving efficiency and reducing noise.
Upgrading from electric resistance heat to a modern heat pump system can also make you eligible for rebates from local utilities.
Learn about Puget Sound Energy’s heat pump conversion rebates here.
Need Help with Your Air Handler?
Whether you are planning an upgrade or scheduling maintenance, Pacific Heating & Cooling provides expert service with no-surprise pricing.
Proudly serving Tacoma, Lakewood, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Renton, and South King County.
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