What is the primary function of an Air Handling Unit (AHU)?

The primary function of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) is to circulate and condition air within a building. This involves drawing in air from the outside or recirculating air from the building, adjusting its temperature and humidity, and distributing it through ductwork to various spaces. Conditioning the air can include processes such as heating, cooling, and filtering, which collectively ensure that the indoor environment is comfortable and healthy for occupants.

While filtering and purifying air is an important part of the AHU's capability, it is not the sole function, as conditioning and circulating air are broader and more primary roles. Regulating humidity is typically a component of the conditioning process but does not encompass the full scope of what an AHU does. Heating water is generally handled by different systems within a building, like water heaters or boilers, rather than the AHU itself.