Last Revised: 6/30/25 

Have you been told that you’ll need an air handler, while your friend or neighbor was fine without one? What exactly is it that an air handler does that makes it so essential to some systems but not others? 

At Mattioni, we’ve spent over 75 years helping homeowners understand the why behind every HVAC recommendation – not just the what. If you’ve been told you need an air handler as part of your AC or heat pump installation, you’re not being upsold – it’s a necessary component in many cooling system setups. 

In this article, you’ll learn exactly what an air handler is, how it works, who needs one, and how much it costs. 

You’ll learn: 

• What an air handler does and how it fits into your cooling system 
• Why some homes need one while others don’t  
• When an air handler is essential 
• Common misconceptions and smart homeowner questions 
• What to do next if you’re unsure 

Let’s clear the air – and the confusion. 

What Is an Air Handler? 

An air handler is the indoor unit of a split HVAC system. A split HVAC system is any heating or cooling system that contains both indoor and outdoor units that are connected by refrigerant lines. Air handlers, as the indoor unit, contain key components like: 

• The blower motor to move air through your home 
• The evaporator coil where warm air is cooled 
• Often, auxiliary heating elements like electric heat strips 

Its job is to circulate air: pulling warm air from inside your home, passing it over the evaporator coil (where it’s cooled), and pushing the cooled air back out through your ducts. 

It works in tandem with your outdoor air conditioner – which absorbs and emits heat from your home. But here’s the key: the outdoor unit can’t function without an indoor unit to move the air. That’s what the air handler does. It’s the heart of the airflow. 

Who Actually Needs an Air Handler – and Who Doesn’t? 

The reason your friend or neighbor didn’t need an air handler may come down to one difference: they already had a furnace. 

A gas or oil furnace already contains a blower motor, which doubles as the air-moving component (the indoor art) in a central AC system. When paired with an evaporator coil, it serves the same function as a full air handler. So in homes with furnaces, the HVAC system just uses what’s already there. 

But if your home doesn’t have a furnace, you’ll need a dedicated air handler. This is common in: 

• Homes with a heat pump (no furnace at all) 
• Homes with oil boilers and radiators (hydronic heat, no ductwork) 
• New additions or in-law suites needing their own HVAC zone 

So, no – it’s not that you’re getting upsold. You’re just starting with a different set of existing components. 

Why Does It Cost More – And Why Is It Worth It? 

Let’s talk numbers: In our experience at Mattioni, the typical cost of an installed air handler as part of a new system ranges from $5,000 to $8,000. That can be surprising – especially if you thought you were just adding an outdoor condenser. 

But here’s what that investment covers: 

• A major mechanical unit with multiple critical components 
• Professional installation, ductwork adjustments, and airflow balancing 
• Integration with your thermostat and entire HVAC system 
• Long-term efficiency and comfort performance 

It’s not just a fan – it’s the engine of your entire system. Without it, your air conditioner has no way to cool your home. 

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But here’s the key: the outdoor unit can’t function without an indoor unit to move the air. That’s what the air handler does. It’s the heart of the airflow.

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Can You Choose Not to Install One? 

In some cases, no – you really can’t skip the air handler if you’re installing a central AC or heat pump system. If your home doesn’t already have a furnace or another existing component to move air, there’s simply no way for a central AC or heat pump to function without it. It’s essential to move and distribute air. 

That said, there are alternative types of air handlers that don’t rely on ductwork. 

For example, ductless mini split systems use smaller, wall-mounted air handler units in each room. These systems are great for zoning, additions, or homes without existing ducts – but you’re still installing air handlers – just in a different form. 

The bottom line: if your HVAC design calls for a traditional system and your home doesn’t have a furnace, the air handler isn’t an upgrade – it’s a requirement. But depending on your home and comfort goals, there may be other system designs that work better for your layout and budget. 

Common Situations When You Have to Have One

Here are some typical examples we see where an air handler is essential: 

1. All-Electric Homes

With no gas furnace to rely on, the air handler is your only option to distribute cooled air indoors.  

2. Homes with Oil Boilers

Older homes with radiator heat have no ductwork or blower. Adding central air for the first time? You’ll need an air handler and ducts to distribute the cooled air. 

3. Heat Pump Installations

Because heat pumps both heat and cool, they rely on an air handler year-round. It’s required to circulate air in both modes. 

4. New Additions or Zoned HVAC

Finished basements, in-law suites, or home additions often get their own small system. Air handlers are perfect for these applications, paired with a small AC or heat pump. 

5. System Matching for Compatibility

Sometimes, homeowners want to replace just the outdoor unit with a modern option – but the existing air handler is too old, inefficient, or incompatible with newer variable-speed equipment. In these cases, a new air handler is needed for the system to operate properly and meet efficiency needs. 

Common Misconceptions and Frequently Asked Questions

“Isn’t this just a fan?” 

No – it’s a full mechanical system. The blower fan is one component, but so is the evaporator coil, drain pan, wiring, and more. It’s like calling your car “Just a seat with wheels.” 

“Can’t I just get a window unit instead?” 

You could, but window units are far less efficient, noisy, and not suited for whole-home comfort. They also don’t integrate with existing ductwork or smart thermostats. 

“My friend didn’t need one – why do I?” 

They likely had a furnace or an existing compatible system. Your home’s current setup determines what’s needed – not a one-size-fits-all rule. 

Final Takeaways: When an Air Handler Makes Sense – and Why It’s the Right Investment 

If your HVAC contractor recommends an air handler, it’s not because they’re upselling you – it’s because your system can’t run without it. In homes without furnaces or in certain retrofit situations, the air handler is the indoor half of your air conditioning system. 

We understand this news often comes with surprise or even skepticism – especially when comparing notes with neighbors. That’s why here at Mattioni, we’re committed to full transparency, education, and designing the right system for your home. 

Want a second opinion or need help understanding your cooling system design? Book a consultation with Mattioni’s HVAC experts. We’ll walk you through your options, costs, and system requirements – no pressure, just clear answers. Call now: (610) 400-8510