4 Advice to Choose a ahu air handling unit

Air Handling Units (AHUs) are a crucial part of any HVAC system, responsible for regulating and circulating air as part of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning process. Whether you’re outfitting a commercial building, industrial facility, or hospitality venue, selecting the right AHU is essential for achieving indoor comfort, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Here are the five most important factors to keep in mind before making your decision.

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1. Type of Application & Environment

Not all AHUs are created equal. The environment in which the AHU will operate significantly impacts the type of unit you need. For instance, hospitals and cleanrooms require units with high-grade filtration and sterilization options, while industrial setups might prioritize durability and airflow capacity. Outdoor installations will require weatherproofing, while indoor AHUs might benefit from modular configurations that fit tight mechanical rooms.

Key tip: Always align the AHU specification with the specific use case and environmental challenges.

2. Airflow & Capacity Requirements

Choosing the correct size for your AHU is non-negotiable. Undersized units may lead to inadequate air distribution and discomfort, while oversized ones can result in unnecessary energy consumption and operational inefficiency. Work with an HVAC consultant or supplier to perform accurate load and airflow calculations, ensuring your AHU delivers the required Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) based on the space and its usage.

Pro insight: Klima Global offers customized AHU configurations to precisely match airflow and capacity demands.

3. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Energy efficiency should be a top priority, especially with rising utility costs and global sustainability goals. Look for AHUs with features like EC (Electronically Commutated) fans, heat recovery systems, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) to enhance performance while minimizing energy use. Additionally, ensure your selected AHU complies with regional energy standards such as LEED or Estidama.

Long-term value: Investing in an energy-efficient AHU can result in significant cost savings over the lifecycle of the system.

4. Filtration & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Air quality has a direct impact on occupant health and comfort. That makes filtration a critical component of your AHU selection. Depending on your application, you may require basic MERV filters or advanced HEPA filters. Clean and efficient air filtration is especially vital in healthcare, education, and food service environments where hygiene and air purity are paramount.

Note: Consider the ease of filter maintenance and replacement as part of the total cost of ownership.

5. Control Systems & Smart Integration

Modern AHUs are not just mechanical boxes; they’re intelligent components of smart buildings. Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), or IoT-enabled platforms can provide advanced monitoring, fault detection, and automation. This enables facility managers to optimize performance, reduce downtime, and improve user comfort.

Example: Klima Global offers advanced control panel options to help building operators gain real-time insights and maximize AHU performance.

Bonus Tip: Partner with the Right Supplier

Beyond the technical aspects, choosing a knowledgeable and experienced supplier can make a significant difference. A reputable supplier like Klima Global will not only provide high-quality AHUs but also guide you through the selection, installation, and after-sales process to ensure long-term success.

With lots of air-handling units to choose from, such as YORK® Solution units from Johnson Controls, HVAC contractors have the flexibility to find the best unit for some of the most demanding applications, including hospitals, theaters, schools and universities, government facilities, and office buildings. Contractors can customize the size and components of air-handling units to accommodate a building’s space constraints, performance needs, and budget. Choosing the right unit can make installation simpler and faster, saving you time and money. When selecting air-handling units for a project, consider the following questions:

1. Overall, what should I keep in mind when choosing an air-handling unit?

Consider the needs and requirements of the building or facility, as well as the features, benefits, and installation options of the air-handling unit. A unit specifically designed and manufactured for a certain application ensures speedy installation, reliable operation, and a satisfied customer.

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2. Where will the unit be installed?

An air-handling unit in an office building, for example, requires different functionalities and levels of maintenance than one that’s located in a hospital operating room. Air-handling units designed and optimized for particular applications will perform more efficiently in the designated spaces.

3. What functions are required for the customer’s space, and what energy sources are available?

Depending on the application, various components can be added to the air-handling unit to address specific functions, including heating, cooling, filtration, humidification, and energy recovery. In addition, the unit can be designed to accommodate various energy sources to distribute conditioned air in the most cost-efficient way possible.

4. What size must the air-handler unit be for the customer’s application?

For the greatest degree of flexibility and ease on the jobsite, choose an air-handling unit that can handle the project’s architectural, mechanical room, and space constraints. If you use building information modeling (BIM), find out whether the manufacturer offers unit-specific digital models so designers can confirm in advance that the air handler will accurately fit the space.

5. Is the unit easy to install?

An efficient, smooth installation ensures that the job gets done on time without incurring any additional costs. Should the unit arrive at the jobsite in one piece, or should it be assembled onsite? If it will be assembled onsite, is it easy to put together?

6. Does the unit simplify the coordination of the controls’ installation?

Air-handling units with integrated controls that are tested and packaged at the factory eliminate the need for additional programming and extra hassle that contractors can sometimes encounter during installation. Available controls include intuitive sensors that measure the temperature, humidity, and service status; key diagnostics to measure the efficiency of the various components of the system; actuators that drive dampers and other components; and motors that control the fans and adjust fan speed to whatever the application requires.

7. What kind of installation, maintenance, and service support are available?

Besides the features and benefits of the air-handling units, consider the expertise and service that the manufacturer provides. Will you require assistance when installing the product? How does the manufacturer handle requests for additional parts or service?

8. How will the right air-handling unit help me as a contractor?

The ideal air-handling unit will be cost-efficient and reliable for both you and your customer. It will be designed and manufactured specifically for your customer’s application. Factory-installed and tested controls and a flexible configuration will simplify installation and offer reliability and efficiency for your customer.

Rob Tanner and Kevin Weaver of Johnson Controls® provided the information for this story. For additional information about YORK Solution air-handling units by Johnson Controls, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.

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