If you’ve been researching HVAC upgrades for your Calgary home, you may have come across the term “air handler” and wondered: is this the same thing as a furnace? Do I need one? And more importantly,does it actually work in our freezing Calgary winters?
In this guide, we’ll break it down for you in simple, local-friendly terms. Whether you live in a two-story in Mahogany or a cozy bungalow in Bowness, you’ll learn how air handlers work, where they make sense, and when they might be the better choice over traditional forced-air furnaces.
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Why Air Handlers Are Becoming Popular in Calgary Homes
Calgary experiences long, cold winters with frequent -20°C to -30°C temperature dips. Homeowners need systems that distribute heat evenly and respond quickly to temperature changes. Air handlers, when paired with high-performance boilers or heat pumps, offer steady, whole-home circulation.
Ideal for hybrid setups
Air handlers shine in hybrid systems. If you’re using in-floor hydronic heat for the basement but want ducted cooling upstairs, or want to pair a combi boiler installation in Calgary, they’re the glue that holds the whole thing together.
Efficiency and rebate trends
Many Calgary homeowners are switching to air handlers to take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades and rebates. They’re compatible with heat pumps, which are increasingly popular under Canada’s Greener Homes Grant.
What Is an Air Handler, Really?
An air handler is the indoor component of your HVAC system that circulates air. It doesn’t create heat like a furnace, it moves heated or cooled air through your ductwork.
Main components and controls
Air handlers typically include a blower fan, heating or cooling coils (depending on the setup), filters, and control boards. Some also include zoning controls or humidification features.
How it connects in HVAC
In Calgary, air handlers are usually connected to a hydronic boiler, heat pump, or central A/C system. They distribute air through the same ductwork a furnace would, but without a combustion chamber.
How Does an Air Handler Work in a Calgary HVAC System?
The blower inside the air handler pushes air across a coil (heated by water or refrigerant) and distributes it through your vents. This is what makes your rooms feel warm or cool.
Heating with coil options
In winter setups, the coil inside the air handler is heated by a boiler (hydronic coil) or an electric heater. This setup is efficient for homes with in-floor heating, since it uses the same heat source.
Cooling with A/C units
In summer, the air handler works with an outdoor A/C condenser. It uses refrigerant-cooled coils to send cool air through your home’s ducts.
Air Handler vs Furnace: What’s the Difference?
A furnace generates heat using natural gas or electricity. An air handler, by contrast, circulates heat made by a separate appliance like a boiler or heat pump.
Fuel source differences
Furnaces rely on natural gas or electricity. Air handlers can be used in electric-only homes, and are ideal for boiler-based systems.
Maintenance and ducts
Both systems use ducts, filters, and thermostats. Air handlers typically have fewer moving parts and no burners or exhaust systems, which can mean lower maintenance costs over time.
When Does an Air Handler Make Sense in Calgary?
If you already use in-floor heating or a combi boiler, but want to add cooling, an air handler lets you install central A/C or a heat pump without replacing your whole system.
Using a combi boiler
Air handlers pair perfectly with combi boilers. Instead of heating air directly, the boiler heats water, and the air handler circulates that heat through the house.
Going electric or hybrid
If you’re planning to electrify your home, air handlers are often a better match than gas furnaces. You can also pair them with solar or use them in hybrid gas-electric systems.
Pros and Cons of Air Handlers in Calgary Homes
Air handlers offer several advantages for Calgary homeowners, especially when integrating with modern HVAC setups. One of the biggest pros is their compatibility with multiple systems. They work seamlessly with boilers, heat pumps, and central A/C units. This makes them ideal for hybrid systems, particularly when combining hydronic in-floor heating with ducted air delivery. Air handlers are also noticeably quieter than traditional furnaces, which many homeowners appreciate. They work well in electric-only homes, and they allow for multi-zone temperature control, which enhances comfort throughout the house.
However, there are some trade-offs to consider. Unlike furnaces, air handlers don’t generate heat on their own. They rely on another appliance like a boiler or heat pump. They also require an existing ductwork system, which may not be present in older Calgary homes with radiator or baseboard setups. And while retrofits are possible, they often come with additional renovation costs if ducts or layout adjustments are needed.
Common Air Handler Setups in Calgary Homes
Air Handlers are versatile and can be setup with different systems in your home. Here are the most common ones:
With combi boiler
Common in modern Calgary homes using Navien or IBC combi boilers. The boiler heats water, and the air handler moves the warm air through ducts.
With heat pump
Air handlers are ideal partners for cold-climate heat pumps, which are becoming more popular thanks to improved efficiency and federal rebates.
With air conditioner
Want cooling in a home with radiant heat? Add an air handler + outdoor condenser for central A/C without needing a gas furnace.
Air Handler Installation Cost in Calgary (2025)
Expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for a typical air handler installation in Calgary, depending on size, system type, and configuration.
Costs increase if you need new ductwork, a new combi boiler, or zoning. Labour rates for licensed Calgary HVAC technicians typically range from $80–$120/hour.
Installing an air handler alongside a heat pump or boiler as part of a full system upgrade can cost $12,000–$20,000+.
Maintenance and Lifespan Expectations
The secret to a good air handler, is good maintenance. Here are some ways you can extend the lifespan of your unit and make sure it reaches full potential:
Filter changes
Change your air handler filter every 3–6 months to maintain airflow and protect internal components.
Coil and fan checks
Yearly maintenance includes cleaning the coil and inspecting the fan motor. This is often included in an HVAC maintenance plan.
Lifespan expectations
A well-maintained air handler can last 15–20 years, depending on usage and system quality.
FAQs About Air Handlers in Calgary
Is an air handler the same as a furnace?
No. A furnace creates heat using gas or electricity. An air handler doesn’t produce heat, it simply circulates hot or cold air provided by a heat pump, boiler, or A/C system through your home’s ducts.
Do I need one with a heat pump?
Yes. A heat pump cannot function properly without an air handler. The air handler distributes the conditioned air, either heated or cooled, throughout your home, making it essential for ducted heat pump systems in Calgary.
Can it heat my whole home?
Yes, but only if it’s connected to the right-sized boiler or heat pump. The air handler depends entirely on the capacity of the heating system it’s paired with to provide whole-home comfort in cold Alberta winters.
How much does it cost in Calgary?
Most Calgary homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 for a new air handler installation. Final cost depends on whether it’s part of a combo install with a boiler or heat pump and how complex the ductwork is.
What’s the difference from an A/C unit?
An air handler is the indoor part of your cooling system that pushes air through your ducts. The A/C unit, or condenser, is the outdoor component that cools the refrigerant before it’s circulated by the air handler inside.
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