An air handling unit (AHU) is a critical component of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Its primary function is to regulate and circulate air within a building, providing controlled ventilation, heating, cooling, and humidity control as needed to maintain indoor comfort and air quality.
Fan(s) : The AHU contains one or more fans that draw in outside air or recirculate indoor air from the building. The fans are responsible for moving air through the AHU and distributing it to various spaces within the building through ductwork.
Filters : Air handling units typically include filters to remove particulate matter, dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants from the incoming air. Filters help improve indoor air quality by capturing pollutants and allergens before the air is circulated into the building.
Heat Exchange Coils : AHUs may be equipped with heating and/or cooling coils to regulate the temperature of the air passing through the unit. Heating coils use hot water, steam, or electric resistance to heat the air, while cooling coils use chilled water or refrigerant to cool the air.