HVAC Basics: How Does an Air Conditioner + Air Handler System Work?
By Anne Fonda with expert review by Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Air Conditioners
In the right climate, an air conditioner paired with an air handler is an economical approach to cool and heat your home.
“This split system uses the refrigeration cycle to cool your home, while electric heat strips inside the air handler heat your home when needed. This system works best in climates that mostly need cooling, and very seldom need heating (South Florida, for example).”
- Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Air Conditioners
What does an air conditioner do?
Air conditioners work to remove heat and humidity from your home. When your thermostat senses that the air inside is too warm, it signals your central air conditioning system to start running. The outdoor condensing unit (AC unit) houses the compressor and condenser coil. Refrigerant lines connect the outdoor coil to the indoor evaporator coil.
The compressor pumps refrigerant in a closed circuit. The cold evaporator coil absorbs heat from inside your home and sends the heated refrigerant to the outdoor coil, where the heat is released into the outdoor air.
The cooling efficiency of an air conditioner is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2). The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is at cooling your home.
Trane air conditioners range from base-level single-stage units to premium variable-speed air conditioners.
“The number of speeds or stages typically translates to energy efficiency and better comfort… so the more variability or number of stages, the more efficient the equipment will operate and the better temperature and humidity control the system can deliver to your home.”
- Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Air Conditioners
WHAT DOES AN AIR HANDLER DO?
Air handlers circulate conditioned air throughout your home
Matched in capacity and efficiency performance with the air conditioner, air handlers circulate conditioned air throughout your home. An air handler contains the evaporator coil and a blower fan, with recommended electric heat strips for when temperatures drop. The cabinet may also house a filter rack and UV lights to prevent mold in humid climates.
Trane air handlers are available with multi-speed or variable-speed motors. Variable-speed models are known for soft starts, variable airflow capacity, and enhanced humidity control with the Comfort-R™ airflow system.
MONITOR YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR COMFORT AND HEALTH
Enhance comfort and breathe easier with an indoor air quality monitor
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Common indoor pollutants can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. High or low humidity reduces air quality and comfort. Improper ventilation can allow volatile organic compounds to build up and cause health problems.
That’s why we offer the Awair Element indoor air quality monitor. It shows you what is going on with your indoor air quality, and it integrates with your HVAC system. That means it can trigger a humidifier or dehumidifier to come on, trigger a whole-house cleaner to remove pollutants, or trigger a whole-house ventilation system to clear the air.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
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