A Complete Guide to Buying the Best Air Handling Units

ByJyoti Arora

AHU or Air handling unit is also known as the HVAC unit is a box that has filters, coils, and a fan. The Air handling unit’s primary function helps regulate or circulate air for heating, ventilation, and air condition systems. To select the right AHU unit, one needs to consider factions like the 

  • The capability and capacity of the AHU

  • The size of the AHU

  • The company make and availability of spare parts

  • The after-sales support and on-site training facilities 

Here are a few tips and essential factors to keep in mind while purchasing an air handling unit. 

Different factors to keep in mind while purchasing an air handling unit

The capacity/ size of the unit

The size of the unit depends on the overall area of where it will be installed. One needs to take a lot of care while choosing the size of the unit. You also have to determine how much air circulation is needed within the complex or the building. The size of the unit is also dependent on the application and location of the unit.

For example, the unit’s size and capacity will differ from a commercial building and a hospital. Similarly, it can also vary from a residential complex and an apartment building. 

The purpose/ application of the unit

The use of the unit also determines what kind of components the unit would need. It includes specific functions like cooling, heating, humidification, filtration (i.e., total recycling, partial recycling, 100% recycling), energy recovery, the type of flow you need (simple or dual-flow), etc. By keeping this factor in mind, you can choose an AHU that distributes the air in an effective and cost-efficient manner.  

For example- The purpose of using an AHU unit in a ship will be very different from the one on land. Similarly, the unit’s purpose will change between a large-sized office building and a small-sized office space. 

The type of unit you need

The type of air handling unit determines if you want to opt for automatic or manual intervention. It allows you to customize the functions based on your needs and requirements. The automatic setting is ideal when you are well versed in the area where you plan to install it.

The installation of the unit

You must choose a unit that is easy to install and pocket friendly. The unit’s installation should be done at a place where the maintenance can be carried out quickly. A person should consider the availability and cost of spare parts in case there is a need. Sometimes, you may get a spare part within a few minutes. At times, the contractor would need to order the spare part from the company. 

The type of after-sales support available

When a customer decides to buy a particular air handling unit, he considers the unit’s features and the services provided to him. While most companies provide a free installation service, some do take an additional charge/fee depending on the delivery distance.

The company may also charge an additional amount if there is a need for extra materials like cables, wires, etc. It is also advisable to find out all the r134a refrigerant suppliers that are close to your location.

The company and make of the unit.

The company and make the air handling unit equally plays an important role. The make and the company speak a lot about the quality of the product. It also helps to understand what kind of services one can expect in case of an emergency. 

The specifications of the unit

The specification of a unit plays a vital role in the selection process. When specifics are provided, it helps to narrow down the options or choices available. It becomes easy to choose the right air handling unit.

Space where the unit will be installed

The space factor is always one of the most crucial points to consider. While choosing an air handling unit, one should ensure enough space for the unit’s installation. If there is high usage, then a unit of a large-sized capacity would be needed. However, if there is a space constraint, it won’t be easy to install a large-sized unit. 

Does the company offer a standard office procedure?

Factory installation is just one side of the coin. As much as it is vital to buy a functional unit, one also needs to know how to operate it. Some companies provide on-site training for the customers’ employees. This training also includes 

  • How to operate the unit

  • How to make changes in the settings

  • Emergency protocols in case of a fire hazard or a gas leak

  • What to do during a breakdown?

Buying an Air Handling Unit is not an easy task. It is not about just going to the market and picking up anything that is on the shelf. A person needs to keep in mind various factors like space constraints, maintenance, the unit’s efficiency, performance, etc. Even the installation of the unit has to be done by a reliable person/company.