In a normal split system configuration you will find three key players: an air conditioner or heat pump, a furnace and an evaporator coil. If you are hazy about how these work together to provide cooling and heating, see our HVAC Information page.

So what is an air handler? An air handler is a combination of the evaporator coil and the fan motor from a furnace. Air handlers are used in environments where cooling only is required, or where a heat pump provides both heating and cooling without the assistance of a furnace. They look very similar to a furnace, and sit typically in the exact same place a furnace would.

For more information see our HVAC Information page.