What Is an Air Handler, Anyway?
An air handler is essentially the circulatory system of your HVAC setup. While your outdoor unit (the condenser) cools the air, the air handler is responsible for moving that air through your ducts and into your rooms.
If the condenser is the heart, the air handler is the lungs.
It contains:
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A blower motor (to push air through the system)
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An evaporator coil (to absorb heat)
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And sometimes electric heat strips for supplementary heating
Why Is the Air Handler So Important?
Here’s why this piece of equipment deserves more attention:
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Comfort – A properly matched air handler keeps temperature consistent from room to room.
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Efficiency – When paired with the right outdoor unit, an air handler ensures your SEER2 rating performs as advertised.
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Indoor Air Quality – The air handler filters and circulates your air, helping to reduce allergens and dust.
If you’ve got hot and cold spots, poor airflow, or rising energy bills—your air handler could be the culprit.
Choosing the Right Air Handler
Samantha’s Smart Shopper Tip: Always match your air handler to your condenser. Mismatched systems are the #1 cause of performance issues and premature failure.
Here’s what to consider:
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Tonnage: Make sure it’s sized correctly for your home.
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Blower Type: ECM blowers are quieter and more efficient than PSC motors.
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Flexibility: Multi-position units can be installed upflow, downflow, or horizontal—great for tight spaces.
📘 Read more:
🔗 Energy Vanguard – Choosing the Right Air Handler
Spotlight: Goodman AMST Multi-Position Air Handler
One of our top picks for efficiency and versatility is the Goodman AMST Air Handler.
Key benefits:
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9-speed ECM blower motor
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All-aluminum evaporator coil (less corrosion, longer life)
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SmartFrame™ cabinet with thermal insulation
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Factory-installed TXV for efficiency
Pair this with a Goodman R-32 AC condenser, and you’ve got a match made in HVAC heaven.
What If It's Installed in the Attic?
Air handlers in attics are common but come with challenges:
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Higher temperatures can reduce efficiency.
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Improper sealing can leak air and increase costs.
Before you install in the attic, make sure:
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Ducts are sealed
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The handler is insulated
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You have proper drainage and access
🔗 Installing Air Handlers in Attics – Building America Solution Center
When to Replace Your Air Handler
You might need a new air handler if:
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You’re upgrading your outdoor unit to SEER2 and R-32.
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Your current unit is 10+ years old.
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Airflow is weak or noisy.
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You’ve had frequent repairs.
Replacing the air handler with your condenser is often the best way to maximize comfort, efficiency, and system longevity.
Final Thoughts from Samantha
Don’t let the air handler be the forgotten hero of your HVAC system. When chosen wisely and matched correctly, it becomes the engine behind consistent comfort and lower energy bills.
You wouldn’t wear mismatched shoes—so don’t pair a high-efficiency condenser with an underperforming air handler. You deserve better.
