If you’re wondering about the difference between an air handler vs air conditioner, you’re not alone. These two HVAC components are often confused but play very different roles in keeping your home cool and comfortable—especially in hot Arkansas summers.
Understanding HVAC systems can be tricky—especially when terms like air handler and air conditioner are used interchangeably. But these components serve different roles in your home’s heating and cooling system.
At Riverside Comfort Care, we’re committed to educating homeowners in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood, AR, so you can make confident, energy-smart decisions. Let’s break down what each component does and how they work together.
What Is an Air Handler?
An air handler is the indoor component of your HVAC system. It houses key parts like the blower motor, evaporator coil, and air filter. Its job is to circulate conditioned air (heated or cooled) throughout your ductwork and into your home.
Think of the air handler as the delivery system. It doesn’t cool the air—that’s the air conditioner’s job—but it does move the cooled air where it needs to go.
According to ASHRAE, proper air circulation is critical for energy efficiency and consistent indoor comfort.
Key Components in an Air Handler:
- Blower motor
- Evaporator coil
- Air filter
- Electrical controls
Some air handlers are paired with heat pump systems, allowing both heating and cooling to be distributed through one unit.
What Is an Air Conditioner?
The air conditioner is the outdoor unit. It contains the compressor and condenser coil. Its role is to remove heat from your home by cycling refrigerant through a closed-loop system.
Once the air conditioner cools the refrigerant, that chilled refrigerant flows into the air handler’s evaporator coil, cooling the air that circulates through your ducts.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper installation and refrigerant charge are crucial for performance and longevity.
Key Components in an AC Unit:
- Compressor
- Condenser coil
- Fan
- Refrigerant lines
While air handlers are inside and move air, air conditioners are outside and remove heat. Both must work in sync to keep your home comfortable.
Main Differences Between Air Handler and Air Conditioner
| Feature | Air Handler | Air Conditioner |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Indoors | Outdoors |
| Function | Circulates air | Removes heat from indoor air |
| Contains | Blower, coil, filter | Compressor, condenser |
| Works With | Furnace or heat pump | Evaporator coil in air handler |
| Heating Capabilities | Only with a heat pump | Cooling only |
As noted by ENERGY STAR, matching indoor and outdoor components is essential to efficiency. Mismatched units can result in system failure and energy waste.
When Do You Need an Air Handler?
You’ll need an air handler if:
- You have a split system with a heat pump
- Your current air handler is aging or underperforming
- You want better airflow or humidity control
Homes without gas furnaces often use air handlers with electric heating elements or heat pumps. These are common in Arkansas homes that use electric HVAC systems.
When Is the AC Unit the Priority?
You may need to replace or upgrade your air conditioner if:
- Your current unit is 10–15+ years old
- Repairs are frequent and costly
- Cooling is uneven or inadequate
- Energy bills are unusually high
If your outdoor AC unit is showing signs of failure, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-rated system will improve comfort and lower costs.
Should You Replace Both at the Same Time?
In many cases, yes. If one component fails and the other is aging, it’s smart to replace both. That ensures system compatibility, prevents future breakdowns, and maintains warranty eligibility.
Per guidance from the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), matched systems are tested and rated together for efficiency. Replacing both at once ensures optimal SEER performance.
Air Handler vs Air Conditioner: Summary
- Air handler = circulates air inside your home
- Air conditioner = cools air by removing heat from inside
- They work together in split systems for total climate control
Understanding the difference between an air handler vs air conditioner helps you make smarter decisions during HVAC installation or replacement.
Need Help Choosing the Right HVAC Setup?
At Riverside Comfort Care, we help homeowners across:
We offer free consultations, expert installations, and a reputation built on reliable results.
Schedule Your HVAC Consultation Today
Need a new air conditioner or air handler? Call Riverside Comfort Care at (479) 353-5266 or book an appointment online. We’re Arkansas’ trusted choice for heating and cooling services—serving you with comfort, clarity, and care.
