Air Handler
The indoor unit that moves conditioned air through your ducts — blower, coil, and filter housing in one cabinet. In a heat pump system, the air handler is the indoor half; it contains no burner.
The longer answer
Air handlers pair with ducted heat pumps and AC systems: the outdoor unit does the heat transfer; the air handler moves the result through your home. Variable-speed blowers (ECM motors) run longer, quieter cycles that improve filtration and summer dehumidification — a meaningful comfort upgrade on Seattle's mild-but-humid shoulder seasons.
Sizing matters as much as the outdoor unit: an air handler with too much airflow for the duct system raises static pressure and starves rooms; too little and the coil doesn't get enough air to exchange heat efficiently. The duct test and load calculation belong in the same conversation as air handler selection.
The Seattle angle
Heat-pump air handlers in Seattle often include electric strip backup — configured correctly, strips run rarely; misconfigured, they erase the savings the heat pump was bought to deliver.
Where this decision happens
Nearby in the glossary
Ready for comfort you can count on?
Whether it's a furnace that quit on a cold morning or a whole new system, the Glendale team is ready. Honest pricing, expert work, and 87+ years behind every visit.
Hours & Emergency
- Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sun: Emergency On-Call Only
- Emergency line: (206) 243-7700