Furnace vs Air Handler: How They Are Different & When to Replace in Illinois

Many Illinois homeowners aren’t sure if they have a furnace, an air handler, or both. The two often get mentioned together, but they serve very different purposes in your heating and cooling system. Knowing how each one works helps you recognize problems early and make smart choices when it’s time to repair or replace equipment. 

At Tiger Heating & Cooling, we explain this to customers every day across Collinsville, Springfield, Bloomington, and Peoria. Here’s what each system does, how they differ, and how to know when it’s time for an upgrade. 

What Is a Furnace? 

A furnace is your home’s main heating source. It generates warm air and pushes it through ducts to heat the entire house. Most furnaces in Illinois use natural gas, but some run on propane, oil, or electricity. 

The system works by pulling in cool air, heating it through a burner or electric element, and then sending it back out through a blower motor. Because it heats air directly, a furnace can raise indoor temperatures quickly. That’s important when winter hits hard across the state. 

Regular tune-ups from Tiger keep your furnace running safely and efficiently. Our technicians check burners, gas lines, airflow, and filters to make sure the system handles long stretches of cold weather without losing performance. 

What Is an Air Handler? 

An air handler doesn’t create heat. Its job is to move air through your ducts as part of a heat pump or air-conditioning system. Inside the cabinet are components like the blower motor, evaporator coil, and filter that help circulate conditioned air evenly throughout the home. 

Air handlers are common in all-electric homes or in setups that use heat pumps, which are popular in places like Springfield and Bloomington where the winters are moderate but summers can be humid. They’re also a key part of indoor air quality since the filter inside removes dust and debris before the air reaches your living spaces. 

If airflow feels weak or uneven, upgrading the air handler can make a noticeable difference. Tiger technicians often recommend newer variable-speed models for better efficiency and quieter operation in homes across Peoria and surrounding areas. 

Key Differences Between Furnaces and Air Handlers 

Furnaces and air handlers work together with your HVAC system but serve different purposes. 

• A furnace produces heat, while an air handler moves air that has already been heated or cooled. 
• Furnaces need venting to exhaust combustion gases, while air handlers do not. 
• Air handlers are usually paired with heat pumps or central air systems. Furnaces can operate alone as the main heat source. 
• Furnaces are powered by gas, propane, oil, or electricity. Air handlers run only on electricity. 

If you’re unsure which system your home uses, Tiger can identify it during a maintenance visit and confirm that everything is working as it should. 

When to Replace a Furnace 

A typical furnace lasts about 15 to 20 years, depending on how often it’s serviced. It may be time to consider replacement if you notice any of these signs: 

• You’ve had several repairs in the past few seasons. 
• Heating costs keep rising even after filter changes and maintenance. 
• Some rooms never reach the temperature you set. 
• The system makes rattling or banging noises during operation. 
• It struggles to keep up during long cold spells. 

Our technicians can evaluate your system and give you straightforward options. Sometimes a small repair or tune-up can extend its life. In other cases, replacement will save you more in the long run. 

When to Replace an Air Handler 

Air handlers generally last between 10 and 15 years. Because they run year-round, the internal parts wear down faster than some other components. Common signs it may be time for a replacement include: 

• Weak or uneven airflow from vents 
• Noticeable noise during operation 
• Increased indoor humidity 
• Dust buildup or poor air circulation 
• A rise in energy bills without any change in use 

If you’re replacing your heat pump or air conditioner, it’s often smart to replace the air handler at the same time. This ensures the two systems are properly matched for airflow and efficiency. 

Why Choose Tiger for Furnace and Air Handler Service 

At Tiger Heating & Cooling, we’ve worked on countless types of HVAC setups across Illinois, from older homes in Peoria with gas furnaces to new builds in Collinsville using electric heat pumps. We know how local weather, insulation, and home layout affect system performance. 

When our technicians visit, we take the time to explain what we find, what your options are, and how each choice affects comfort and cost. Whether you need a tune-up, a new air handler, or a full furnace replacement, you’ll get clear answers and dependable work every time. 

Contact Tiger Heating & Cooling today to schedule an evaluation. We’ll check your furnace and air handler, explain how they’re working together, and help you plan the best solution for your home.