CSLB Class B General Contractor's License Practice Exam

In HVAC, what is the primary function of an air handler?

1. Heating water

2. Cooling air

3. Moving air

4. Filtering air

The correct answer is: Moving air

The primary function of an air handler in an HVAC system is to move air. Air handlers are designed to circulate and distribute conditioned air throughout a building. They are equipped with fans that push air through the ductwork of the HVAC system, ensuring that heated or cooled air reaches various rooms and spaces. While air handlers can have features that allow them to filter air and contribute to cooling processes, their main role is to maintain airflow. By moving air effectively, they help maintain indoor air quality and comfort levels. This is essential for ensuring that the heating or cooling systems operate efficiently and effectively, as proper airflow is crucial for balancing temperature and humidity in an indoor environment. In contrast, while heating water, cooling air, and filtering air are functions that certain HVAC components can perform, they do not represent the primary purpose of an air handler. Heating water is typically associated with water heaters, cooling air refers to the function of air conditioning systems, and filtering air relates to air filters, all of which may interact with or complement the air handling process, but none of these functions encapsulate the core responsibility of the air handler itself.