Types of Air Handling Units and Their Functions

One of the greatest methods to guarantee high-quality air in buildings is through the use of different types of air handling units (AHU). As a component of the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), AHUs are used to control and circulate the air. Any firm must prioritize having high-quality air to protect its workers’ health and safety and maximize production. They are often installed on the floors, roofs, or basements of medium to large industrial and commercial buildings. Numerous smaller AHUs operating in various parts of the building are typical.

What is an Air Handling Unit for?

The air handling unit (AHU) is often a large metal box that is connected to the ductwork that distributes conditioned air within a building and returns it to the AHU. There are a lot of ventilators with various tasks within this sizable metal box.

AHUs provide fresh air to an enclosed area. The systems draw outside air into the system, filter it, and condition it (cooled by a cooling coil or heated by a heating coil).

The air from the rooms can be circulated to save electricity in areas with lesser hygiene requirements for air quality. A cooling/heat exchanger is typically installed on the AHU to increase capacity and reduce energy consumption.

Different Types of Air Handling Units

There are two common types of air handling units: the “blow-through” and the “draw-through”.

1. Blow-through

Before the air enters the ducting network, the blow-through air handling unit’s fan forces the air through the mixing box, cooling coil, and filters.

2. Draw-through

One of the types of air handling units is draw-through which can either be horizontal or vertical. Before the air enters the ducting network, it is pulled through the mixing box, cooling coil, and filters by a fan.

Additionally, AHUs come in a variety of sizes. Terminal units, also known as fan coil units or blower units, are compact, straightforward machines. These appliances could be limited to a coil, blower, and air filter. A bigger AHU that only treats 100% outside air is called a makeup air unit (MAU). The fresh air handling unit is another name for this device (FAHU).

Other Important Things to Consider:

Installation and commissioning: Hire the best specialists to install the AHU, and do not cut corners on commissioning as it will save you money.
There is always a suitable option, whether it is produced in a factory or on-site (flatpack).
Refurbishing existing devices will give them new life.
To increase operational efficiency and conserve energy, reconfigure or update components.

Find Out More

AHUs that are constructed appropriately use less energy and provide a more comfortable working environment for all parties involved, including staff, visitors, and clients. When constructing a new structure or modifying an old one, we advise incorporating an AHU. By keeping warm or cold air from escaping, better insulation use during construction lowers energy costs. Better insulation, meanwhile, can also lead to poor ventilation, stale air, and too much humidity. When the air is too damp, mold and mildew practically grow.