China Air Handler Unit Manufacturers Suppliers Factory

What is Air Handler Unit

An Air Handler Unit, or AHU, is an essential component of a commercial heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. It is used to regulate and circulate air that enters from outside a building, in order to heat, cool, and filter as needed. Each time a door is opened or people enter a room, new air is introduced to the indoors that must be managed and maintained. This is done by an air handler.

Benefits of Air Handler Unit

Improved Air Quality

The air handler unit can significantly improve the indoor air quality of a commercial space by filtering out pollutants, such as dust and allergens, and maintaining a proper humidity level.

Energy Efficiency

Air handler units can help reduce energy costs by optimizing the flow of air and minimizing the load on the HVAC system. This results in less strain on the equipment and lower utility bills for the business.

Temperature Control

Air handler units regulate the temperature of the air being circulated, providing comfortable heating or cooling as needed, which enhances occupant comfort.

Versatile Applications

Air handler units can be used in a wide range of settings, from residential buildings to large commercial and industrial facilities, offering flexible solutions for air management.

Modular Air Handling Units
SANHE modular air handling unit is an air handling device that consists of a series of air handling function segments. In order to meet the technological requirements, the air treatment function section of the general modular air handling
read more
Remote Jet Air Handling Unit
Installation of air ducts is not allowed in the upper space of the room or where it is difficult to install air ducts.
read more
Wall Mounted Cabinet Type Fan Coil Unit
Cabinet type fan coil units are mainly used in central or semi-central air cooling systems. According to the installation type, it is divided into hoisting type and floor type fan coil unit.
read more
Vertical Cabinet Fan Coil Unit
The standard universal model with air supply flange can be connected to the external air duct, and the user can choose the long-range jet blower type.
read more
Horizontal Air Handler Unit
The air volume of common models is 4000-80000CMH, and the common coils are 4 rows, 6 rows or 8 rows.
read more

Why Choose Us

Excellent product quality

We take pride in our products because every major components requires the perfect combination of modern technology.

Rich experience in production

10 year experience in Chiller manufacture. Above 50% of our staff has more than 10 year experience in HVAC industry.

High quality

We distinguish ourselves in the chiller market by flexibility of design, by ensuring the prefect performance and by always putting our customer first.

After-sales service

We have professional technician, can provide Video /Phone Training, 24 hour online service. We will send technician to overseas if needed.

How an Air Handler Unit Works

First, air returns from the space it’s ventilating, passing back through a duct to the air handler unit. Here, the return air typically moves into a mixing box and blends with warmer, vented in outdoor air. However, not all air handlers use fresh outdoor air. Many simply recirculate the cool air present in the space.

The air continues through a rack of air filters. Then it moves across the evaporator’s cooling coil, which contains cold water or refrigerant to condition the air. Finally, the blower pushes it through the duct work and throughout the space. Sometimes there’s a small heating element just after the evaporator coil to control the air’s humidity before it enters the space.

You can control basic air handlers with something as simple as a thermostat. However, many facilities have a central computer to handle the complexity of managing multiple air handling units.

Material of Air Handler Unit

The casing (also known as the box) of an air handler unit is made of double-skinned insulated panels (also known as insulated sandwich panels) and a structural structure. AluZinc, aluminum, and galvanised steel are the most popular framing materials. Galvanised steel for the inner skin and prepainted galvanised steel for the outer skin make up the majority of materials used for panel skin. The inside skin of sanitary AHUs occasionally consists of stainless steel.

Types of Air Handler Unit

Chilled Water Air Handler Units
A chilled water air handler unit is a type of HVAC system that uses chilled water as a medium to cool and dehumidify the air. It consists of a cooling coil, a supply fan, filters, dampers, and a heating coil (optional). The chilled water coil removes heat from the air, and the supply fan circulates the conditioned air throughout the building.

Direct Expansion (DX) Air Handler Units
A direct expansion (DX) air handler unit, also known as a rooftop unit (RTU), is a self-contained HVAC system commonly used in commercial buildings. It uses refrigerant as the cooling medium and includes a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, supply fan, filters, and optional heating elements. DX air handlers provide both cooling and heating functions.

Package Air Handler Unit
A package air handler unit is a self-contained DX HVAC system typically installed outdoors or on the rooftop of a building. It combines heating, cooling, and ventilation functions into a single unit. The package air handler includes a heating and cooling coil, supply fan, filters, dampers, and sometimes a heat recovery system.

Differences Between Air Handler Unit and Ordinary Commercial Air Conditioner

The main difference between an air handler unit and ordinary air conditioner is that an air handling unit produces cool/warm air at one location and sends that air to multiple rooms, while an ordinary commercial air conditioner uses the individual indoor units installed in the rooms for producing cool/warm air. Another difference is that the air handling unit cools/heats the air taken in from the outside and sends it to the rooms, while the ordinary commercial air conditioner takes in the room air, cools/heats that air and discharges cool/warm air into the room.

What Is the Difference Between an Air Handler Unit (AHU) and a Fan Coil Unit (FCU)?

One significant difference between AHU and FCU is in the working principle. Although both HVAC systems are used to condition and condition air, they work in different modes.

AHU working principle revolves around centralized air processing for large spaces. The HVAC system absorbs ambient air from outside, then passes it through the various components embedded within the unit. After that, the conditioned air is distributed through an extensive number of ducts to the various parts of the building. This system is best suited for applications where uniform temperature is needed to be maintained throughout the whole building.

On the other hand, the FCU working principle is more decentralized. The HVAC system is designed to provide individual or zonal temperature control within a building. The FCU absorbs air from the indoor space through the fan, then sends it to the coil that heats or cools the air (depending on your requirement). After that, the conditioned air is released to the connected parts of the building.

Application of Air Handler Unit

01/

HVAC Systems: Air handler units are an integral part of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They help regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a building, ensuring that occupants are comfortable and healthy.

02/

Hospitals: Hospitals require a high level of air quality to prevent the spread of infection and disease. Air handler units are used to filter and circulate air throughout the building, ensuring that patients and staff breathe clean, healthy air.

03/

Industrial Processes: Air handler units are used in a variety of industrial processes to maintain a specific temperature, humidity, or air quality. They are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and other industries that require precise environmental control.

04/

Clean Rooms: Air handler units are an essential component of clean rooms, which are highly controlled environments used in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The AHUs in these facilities must maintain extremely low levels of particulate matter, temperature, and humidity.

05/

Laboratories: Laboratories require highly controlled environments to conduct experiments and research. Air handler units are used to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, as well as to provide ventilation to prevent the buildup of potentially hazardous chemicals or fumes.

06/

Commercial Buildings: Air handler units are commonly used in large commercial buildings such as office towers, shopping malls, and airports. They help regulate the temperature and humidity, as well as circulate fresh air throughout the building.

Function and Components

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a large, (typically 2000-100,000cfm) complex piece of equipment designed to regulate and circulate air within a building. It is typically part of a central HVAC system and is used to handle large volumes of air across multiple zones or an entire building. AHUs can be configured in various ways to include components such as:

Blowers/Fans

These are responsible for moving air through the unit and into the building's ductwork. They ensure that air circulates effectively throughout the designated spaces.

Heating/Cooling Coils

These coils condition the air by either heating or cooling it, depending on the requirements of the building. The coils use electric heating coils, chilled water, hot water, or refrigerants to achieve the desired air temperature.

Filters

AHUs often contain multiple stages of filtration to remove particulates, dust, and other contaminants from the air. Usual filtration for commercial buildings uses MERV-13 grade filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters may be used for environments with very stringent air quality requirements.

Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers

Depending on the application, AHUs can include components to add or remove moisture from the air, maintaining optimal humidity levels.

Mixing Chambers

These allow the mixing of return air from the building with fresh outdoor air.

Dampers

Dampers control the flow of air into and out of the unit, helping to manage air pressure and ventilation rates.

Selection Criteria for Choosing the Right Type of Air Handler Unit

Selecting the right type of air handler unit is paramount for accurately regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality in indoor environments. Air handler units are mechanical components that distribute conditioned air throughout a building space. When selecting an air handler unit, critical factors include the type of space to be serviced, the required airflow, and the desired level of energy efficiency and cost savings.

For commercial or industrial applications, the selection process can be particularly complex, taking into account factors such as the type of building, the size of the space, and the type of occupants. Ultimately, choosing the right air handler unit requires a combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and careful consideration of the unique needs of each application.

Air Handler Unit Troubleshooting - Common Issues and Solutions

Insufficient Airflow

Issue: Inadequate airflow can result from clogged filters, malfunctioning fans, or blocked ducts. Insufficient airflow leads to poor ventilation, uncomfortable indoor temperatures, and compromised air quality.
Solution: Regularly inspect and replace air filters, ensuring they are clean and free from debris. Check the fan motor and blades for damage or wear, and clean ducts to remove any obstructions.

Uneven Temperatures

Issue: Uneven temperatures in different parts of a building indicate poor distribution of conditioned air. This can result from imbalanced ductwork, closed dampers, or improperly configured VAV systems.
Solution: Ensure dampers are properly adjusted to balance airflow and verify that VAV systems are calibrated correctly. Conduct a ductwork inspection to identify any restrictions or obstructions that may affect airflow distribution.

Excessive Noise

Issue: Noisy AHUs can be disruptive and indicate issues with fan blades, belts, or bearings. Excessive noise can impact occupant comfort and overall well-being.
Solution: Regularly inspect and lubricate fan components, ensuring that belts are properly tensioned. If noise persists, consider adding vibration isolation measures to reduce operational vibrations and noise transmission.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Issue: Diminished indoor air quality can result from inadequate filtration, contaminated coils, or leaks in the ductwork, leading to discomfort and health concerns.
Solution: Install high-quality air filters and regularly replace them to ensure efficient particle and allergen removal. Schedule routine coil cleaning to prevent mould and bacteria buildup. Inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps to prevent contaminants from entering.

High Energy Consumption

Issue: High energy consumption can indicate inefficient AHU operation, often resulting from improper fan speed settings, leaky ducts, or failing components.
Solution: Implement energy-efficient practices such as using variable frequency drives (VFDs) to adjust fan speeds based on demand. Regularly inspect ductwork for leaks and seal them to prevent air loss. Conduct regular maintenance to identify and replace worn-out components that may contribute to energy waste.

How to Maintain Air Handler Unit

Constant Temperature and Humidity Air Conditioner

Filter Changes: The air filters should be checked regularly and replaced as needed to ensure optimal airflow and air quality. How often depends on the type of filter and the conditions in your home, but generally, it's recommended every 1-3 months.

Coil Cleaning: To maintain efficiency, the evaporator and condenser coils should be kept clean. Dirt and debris can insulate coils and reduce their ability to absorb or release heat.

Inspecting and Sealing Ducts: Leaky ducts can significantly reduce the efficiency of your system. Regular inspection and sealing can help maintain performance.

Regular Check-Ups: An HVAC system benefits from regular professional check-ups like a car. These often include checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and verifying the system's operation.

FAQ

Q: What is the function of an air handler unit?

A: The air handler unit (AHU) is the heart of central air conditioning. It collects outside air and room air, removes dust and other particles from the collected air, adjusts the temperature and humidity and then supplies comfortable and refreshing air-conditioned air into the rooms through ducts.

Q: What is the installation process of an air handler unit?

A: To ensure optimal functioning, it is important to follow proper protocols during installation. This includes thorough consideration of location, proper electrical connections, duct sizing, and careful calibration of the unit.

Q: Can maintenance tips for air handler units ensure their longevity?

A: Regularly changing the air filter is essential, as a dirty filter can make your HVAC system work harder. Additionally, inspecting and cleaning the evaporator coil can help prevent your unit from freezing up. Simple tasks like checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting the condensate drain line can also play a role in extending the life of your air handler unit.

Q: What is the mechanism and air conditioning method of air handler unit?

A: Air handler units use a chiller or VRF as heat source equipment and exchange heat between chilled/heated water or refrigerant and air to adjust the air temperature. Therefore, air handling units offer excellent operational flexibility.

Q: What is the maintenance frequency of air handler units?

A: As a general rule, AHU’s should undergo maintenance at least twice a year. This preventive maintenance schedule helps ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of the unit.

Q: What are the most common problems with air handler units?

A: Common problems encountered with air handler units (AHUs) include: Air Filter Issues: Clogged or dirty air filters can obstruct airflow, leading to reduced system efficiency and poor indoor air quality. Coil Fouling: This involves the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris on the evaporator and condenser coils. This can decrease heat transfer efficiency, resulting in poor performance.

Q: What is the mechanism of air handler unit?

A: Air handler units are not heat pumps but are paired with heat pumps. The air handler unit is the indoor component containing the evaporator coils. The coils remove heat from, or transfer heat to, the home's air depending on the heat pump's mode. The air handler unit circulates the air through the duct work.

Q: What is the difference between air handler unit (AHU) and HVAC?

A: HVAC includes components like heating equipment, cooling equipment, ventilation systems, ductwork, controls, and more. AHU: Stands for "Air Handling Unit." It's a specific component within an HVAC system responsible for handling the air. AHUs condition, filter, and distribute the air to different spaces in a building.

Q: What is the difference between an air handler unit and a blower?

A: Air handler units are not blowers. This puzzles some folks, but it's not too complex and we're happy to explain the difference. An air handler unit has the blower, and several other pieces within. You may have dampers, filters, mixing chambers and more in an air handler unit.

Q: What is the life expectancy of an air handler unit?

A: AHUs typically last up to 20 years if they are maintained regularly. By upgrading components such as dampers, coils, and fans within the existing AHU casework, the life cycle can be extended by up to 15 years assuming a regular PPM maintenance plan is in place.

Q: What are the two types of air handler unit?

A: Primarily, there are two types of air handler units (AHUs) utilized for regulating airflow in HVAC systems: the 'blow-through' and the 'draw-through' AHUs. The blow-through AHU comprises a fan that pushes the air through the mixing box, cooling coil, and filters whereas a 'draw-through'AHUs pull the air.

Q: How is an air handler unit controlled?

A: The control system can be manual or automated, and can include features such as remote access and data logging for easy monitoring and troubleshooting. Properly maintaining and calibrating the AHU control system is crucial to ensure that the unit is functioning at its best and to keep the indoor air quality safe.

Q: Do air handler units have refrigerant?

A: Air handler units can use either water/refrigerant or a combination of both types. The type will depend upon the design, which usually depends on the major plant paired with the AHU. A chilled water system will be paired with a water-cooled or air-cooled chiller and a refrigerant system with an external condenser.

Q: Does an air handler unit room need ventilation?

A: [An air handler unit, commonly called an AHU,] is the composition of elements mounted in large, accessible box-shaped units called modules, which house the appropriate ventilation requirements for purifying, air-conditioning or renewing the indoor air in a building or premises.

Q: What is the CFM of the air handler unit?

A: An air handler mixes warm outdoor and cool indoor air, cools it with an evaporator, and circulates it using ducts. The capacity of an air handler is commonly measured by the amount of air it conditions and distributes. You calculate this measurement in volumetric units known as CFM (cubic feet per minute).

Q: What is inside an air handler unit?

A: The basic components of an AHU include a fan or blower to circulate air, heating and/or cooling coils, filters, dampers to control airflow, and a control system to regulate the operation based on temperature, humidity, and other parameters.

We're well-known as one of the leading air handler unit manufacturers and suppliers in China. Please rest assured to buy customized air handler unit at competitive price from our factory. Contact us for more details.