AI Summary
An air handler is an indoor unit with a blower and coil but no heating element. A furnace includes a blower, coil, and gas or electric heating. Heat pumps pair with air handlers for all-electric heating. Dual-fuel systems pair heat pumps with gas furnaces for backup heat. Quotes specify which indoor unit type is included.
What Is an Air Handler vs a Furnace? (Quote Clarity)
Heat pump quotes mention either air handlers or furnaces as the indoor unit. This guide explains the difference and why it matters for your system.
What an Air Handler Is
An air handler is an indoor unit that contains a blower motor, evaporator coil, and filter but no independent heating element. It circulates air through the ductwork and works with the heat pump for both heating and cooling.
Components
- Variable-speed or multi-speed blower motor
- Evaporator coil for refrigerant
- Filter rack or slot
- Control board for system operation
- Condensate drain pan
How It Works
The air handler circulates air across the evaporator coil. In cooling mode, the coil removes heat. In heating mode, the coil adds heat from the heat pump. The blower distributes conditioned air through supply ducts.
What a Furnace Is
A furnace is an indoor unit that contains a blower motor, evaporator coil, and independent heating source (gas burner or electric elements). It can heat without the heat pump.
Components
- Blower motor
- Evaporator coil for refrigerant
- Gas burner or electric heating elements
- Heat exchanger (gas furnaces)
- Control board and safety controls
- Venting system (gas furnaces)
How It Works
In cooling mode, the furnace operates like an air handler, circulating air across the coil. In heating mode, it can use either the heat pump or its own heating source.
Key Differences
- Air Handler: No independent heating, relies entirely on heat pump
- Furnace: Has backup heating independent of heat pump
- Air Handler: All-electric system
- Furnace: Dual-fuel system (heat pump + gas or electric backup)
- Air Handler: Simpler, fewer components
- Furnace: More complex, additional safety controls
When Quotes Specify Air Handlers
All-Electric Heat Pump Systems
Pure heat pump systems use air handlers. The heat pump provides all heating and cooling. Electric resistance strips in the air handler provide emergency backup heat only.
Mild Climates
Areas with moderate winters often use air handler systems because heat pumps can handle the heating load without backup.
No Gas Service
Homes without natural gas or propane service use air handlers rather than gas furnaces.
When Quotes Specify Furnaces
Dual-Fuel Systems
Cold climates often use dual-fuel systems with gas furnaces. The heat pump handles moderate temperatures, the furnace provides backup heat during extreme cold.
Existing Gas Infrastructure
Homes with existing gas furnaces may keep them and add a heat pump for cooling and moderate heating, creating a dual-fuel system.
Backup Heat Preference
Some homeowners prefer gas backup heat over electric resistance for efficiency or reliability during power outages.
Cost Differences
- Air Handler: $800-2,500 depending on features
- Gas Furnace: $1,500-4,000 depending on efficiency
- Electric Furnace: $1,000-2,500 depending on capacity
Dual-fuel systems cost more upfront but may save on heating costs in cold climates.
Air Handler Features
Variable-Speed Blowers
Variable-speed air handlers adjust airflow continuously for better comfort and efficiency. They're quieter and provide more consistent temperatures than single-speed models.
Electric Heat Strips
Most air handlers include electric resistance heat strips for emergency backup when the heat pump can't keep up. These are expensive to operate and used only when necessary.
Communicating Controls
Advanced air handlers communicate with the heat pump and thermostat for optimized operation. This improves efficiency and comfort.
Furnace Features
Efficiency Ratings
Gas furnaces have AFUE ratings from 80% to 98%. Higher efficiency costs more upfront but saves on gas bills.
Modulating Burners
Premium furnaces modulate gas flow for precise temperature control. This improves comfort and efficiency compared to single-stage burners.
Automatic Fuel Switching
Dual-fuel systems automatically switch between heat pump and furnace based on outdoor temperature and efficiency. This optimizes operating costs.
How Quotes Describe Indoor Units
"Air Handler Included"
Indicates an all-electric heat pump system. Ask whether electric heat strips are included for backup.
"Gas Furnace with Coil"
Indicates a dual-fuel system. The furnace includes the evaporator coil for the heat pump.
"Electric Furnace"
Similar to an air handler but with larger electric heating capacity. Used when heat pump alone is insufficient.
"Matching Indoor Unit"
Vague language. Ask specifically whether it's an air handler or furnace and what features are included.
Questions to Ask
- Is this quote for an air handler or furnace?
- Does the air handler include electric heat strips?
- If it's a furnace, what efficiency rating?
- Is this a dual-fuel system or all-electric?
- What blower speed options are included?
- Are the indoor and outdoor units compatible?
Choosing Between Air Handler and Furnace
Consider Your Climate
Mild climates work well with air handlers. Cold climates benefit from furnace backup.
Consider Fuel Availability
No gas service means air handler. Existing gas service makes dual-fuel an option.
Consider Operating Costs
Compare heat pump operating costs to gas or electric backup costs in your area. This varies by local utility rates.
Consider Reliability
Dual-fuel systems provide backup if the heat pump fails. All-electric systems rely entirely on the heat pump.
Understand Your Indoor Unit
See what type of indoor unit your quote includes and what features it has.
Decode Your Quote →Why This Matters
Understanding whether your quote includes an air handler or furnace helps you evaluate the system type and appropriateness for your climate. It also affects installation cost, operating cost, and system reliability.
Ask contractors to explain why they're recommending air handler or furnace for your specific situation.