Confused about HVAC abbreviations?

Are you confused about abbreviations like HVAC, AHU, MAU, FCU, PU or RTU?

If so then please have a quick read and hopefully things will become clear.

An air handler or air handling unit (AHU), is a machine that regulates and circulates the air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

An AHU is usually a large metal box containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers.

In most cases an AHU usually connects to a ductwork ventilation system that distributes the conditioned air through the building and returns it to the AHU.

Sometimes an AHU discharges(supply) and admits (return) air directly to and from the space served without ductwork.

Small air handlers, for local use are called terminal units, and may only include an air filter, coil, and blower, these simple terminal units are called blower coils or fan coil units (FCU).

A larger air handler that conditions 100% of the outside air, and has no recirculated air, is known as a makeup air unit (MAU).

An air handler designed for outdoor use, typically on roofs, is known as a packaged unit (PU) or rooftop unit (RTU)

Hopefully that cleared up any questions on a few of the abbreviations used within the mechanical services industry that are commonplace in a large and commercial buildings.

Covering the Horsham District area.

Horsham, Southwater, Broadbridge Heath, Slinfold, Billingshurst, Steyning, Storrington, Ashington, Rudgwick, Cowfold, Pulborough, Warnham, Henfield, Bramber, Upper Beeding, Partridge Green, Rusper & Faygate.