Hey there! I’m an air handling unit (AHU) supplier, and today I’m gonna break down the main components of an AHU for you. Whether you’re in the market for a new AHU or just curious about how it all works, this blog is for you. Air Handling Unit

1. Fan Section
Let’s start with the fan section. This is like the heart of the AHU. Fans are responsible for moving the air through the unit and into the building’s ventilation system. There are two main types of fans commonly used in AHUs: centrifugal fans and axial fans.
Centrifugal fans are great because they can handle high pressures. They work by taking in air at the center and then flinging it outwards using rotating blades. This type of fan is often used in larger buildings where there’s a need to push air through long ductwork.
Axial fans, on the other hand, are more straightforward. They move air in a straight line, parallel to the axis of the fan. They’re usually used in applications where you need a high volume of air at a relatively low pressure. For example, in a warehouse or a large open – plan office.
The size and type of fan you need depend on the size of the building, the length of the ductwork, and the required air volume. As an AHU supplier, I always make sure to recommend the right fan for each customer’s specific needs.
2. Filter Section
Next up is the filter section. Filters are super important in an AHU because they clean the air that’s being circulated. There are different types of filters, and each has its own function.
The pre – filter is usually the first line of defense. It’s designed to capture large particles like dust, pollen, and hair. These filters are easy to replace and help protect the more expensive filters downstream.
The main filter, or the final filter, is much finer. It can trap smaller particles such as bacteria and viruses. High – efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are some of the best in the business when it comes to removing tiny contaminants from the air. Having a good filter system in your AHU not only improves indoor air quality but also helps protect the other components of the unit from getting dirty and clogged.
When I’m talking to customers, I always emphasize the importance of regular filter replacement. A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of the AHU and even lead to higher energy costs.
3. Heating and Cooling Coils
Heating and cooling coils are another crucial part of the AHU. These coils are responsible for adjusting the temperature of the air. The heating coil warms up the air during the cold months, while the cooling coil cools it down in the summer.
There are different types of heating coils, such as hot water coils and steam coils. Hot water coils are more common in commercial buildings because they’re relatively easy to install and maintain. Steam coils, on the other hand, can provide a lot of heat quickly, but they require a steam source.
For cooling coils, chilled water coils are widely used. They work by circulating chilled water through the coils, which then absorb the heat from the air passing over them. Refrigerant – based cooling coils are also an option, especially in smaller AHUs or in areas where a chilled water system isn’t available.
As an AHU supplier, I work closely with customers to determine the right size and type of coils for their climate and building requirements. This ensures that the AHU can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.
4. Humidifier and Dehumidifier
Controlling the humidity level in a building is just as important as controlling the temperature. That’s where the humidifier and dehumidifier come in.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air when it’s too dry. This is especially important in the winter months when the indoor air can become very dry, leading to problems like dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory issues. There are different types of humidifiers, such as steam humidifiers and ultrasonic humidifiers. Steam humidifiers work by heating water to produce steam, while ultrasonic humidifiers use high – frequency vibrations to create a fine mist.
A dehumidifier, on the other hand, removes moisture from the air when it’s too humid. High humidity can cause mold growth, musty odors, and damage to building materials. Refrigerant – based dehumidifiers are the most common type. They cool the air below its dew point, causing the moisture to condense and collect in a tray or drain away.
I always ask customers about the typical humidity levels in their area and the specific requirements of their building. Based on this information, I can recommend the right type and capacity of humidifier or dehumidifier for their AHU.
5. Mixing Box
The mixing box is where the magic of air mixing happens. It’s used to combine the fresh outdoor air with the recirculated indoor air. This is important because it allows for better control of the indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
The amount of fresh air and recirculated air that’s mixed together can be adjusted depending on the needs of the building. For example, in a commercial office building, you might want to have a higher percentage of fresh air during peak occupancy hours to ensure good ventilation.
The mixing box typically has dampers that can open and close to regulate the flow of air. These dampers are controlled by the building’s automation system, which ensures that the right amount of air is being mixed at all times.
6. Controls and Sensors
No modern AHU would be complete without a sophisticated control system and sensors. The controls are like the brain of the AHU, and they’re responsible for regulating the operation of all the other components.
Sensors are used to measure various parameters such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and air quality. For example, a temperature sensor will constantly monitor the air temperature inside the building and send a signal to the controls. Based on this signal, the controls can adjust the operation of the heating or cooling coils to maintain the desired temperature.
There are also pressure sensors that monitor the air pressure in the ductwork. If the pressure drops too low or gets too high, the controls can adjust the fan speed to ensure proper air flow.
As an AHU supplier, I make sure to offer AHUs with user – friendly control systems. This allows building managers or owners to easily adjust the settings and monitor the performance of the AHU.
Why Choose Us?
If you’re looking for an AHU, there are plenty of reasons to consider working with us. We’ve got a wide range of AHUs to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you need a small AHU for a store or a large one for a hospital, we’ve got you covered.
Our team of experts is always ready to help you choose the right AHU and all its components. We’ll work closely with you to understand your requirements, conduct a site analysis if needed, and provide you with a customized solution.

We also offer excellent after – sales service. Our technicians are trained to install, maintain, and repair AHUs. We can provide regular maintenance schedules to keep your AHU running smoothly and efficiently.
Free Cooling So, if you’re interested in purchasing an AHU or have any questions about the components and how they work, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your building.
References
- “Heating, Ventilating, and Air – Conditioning Systems and Equipment” by McGraw – Hill Education
- “Air Handling Unit Handbook” by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
Changzhou Vrcoolertech Refrigeration Co., Ltd.
Changzhou Vrcoolertech Refrigeration Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional air handling unit manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good price. Welcome to wholesale high quality air handling unit for sale here from our factory.
Address: No. 18-69,Changwu Zhong Road, Wujin district, Changzhou, Jiangsu
E-mail: keviny@vrcooler.com
WebSite: https://www.vrcoolertech.com/