What device uses a combination of components to distribute air efficiently within a building?

An air handling unit (AHU) is a vital component in a building's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It is designed to take in air from various sources, condition it (which may include heating, cooling, filtering, and humidifying), and then distribute that conditioned air throughout the building. The AHU typically includes a fan to move the air, heating and cooling elements to adjust the air temperature, and filters to ensure the air quality is maintained.

Air handling units are essential for maintaining comfortable indoor air quality and temperature, making them critical for building maintenance and operational efficiency. They are strategically installed to maximize airflow, ensuring that every space within a building reaches the desired climate comfort levels. This functionality is particularly important for large commercial or institutional buildings where individual temperature control can be challenging.

While chiller units, VRF systems, and heat recovery ventilators play important roles within an HVAC system, they have distinct functions. Chillers primarily focus on cooling the water used in air conditioning, VRF systems manage the cooling and heating of specific zones through refrigerant, and heat recovery ventilators improve fresh air circulation while recovering energy from exhaust air. Each of these systems complements the AHU, but it is the air handling