Air Handling Equipment Solutions

Custom Air Handling Systems for Commercial & Industrial Facilities

Your HVAC system is only as strong as its air handler. Air handling units (AHUs) are crucial for keeping air moving, clean, and comfortable—ensuring your heating and cooling investment actually delivers. Lincoln Associates helps commercial and industrial facilities across the Southeast design and integrate air handling systems that perform reliably day after day. We work with trusted partners like Flex Air, Magic Aire, and ThermoTek to deliver customized solutions for every application.

From modular units for tight retrofit spaces to large central AHUs for busy campuses, our systems are built to match your air quality goals, energy targets, and space requirements.

Why Proper Air Handling Matters

A well-designed air handler does more than circulate air—it balances temperature, humidity, and filtration to create a healthy, productive indoor environment. Poorly configured or outdated AHUs can lead to uneven temperatures, drafts, stale air, and wasted energy. With modern air handling systems, building owners gain:

  • Steady, balanced airflow
  • Better control over temperature and humidity
  • Cleaner indoor air through advanced filtration
  • Energy savings with variable speed fans and smart controls

How Air Handlers Work

Air handlers regulate and move air through a building by pulling it in, conditioning it to the desired temperature and humidity, filtering it, and then distributing it through ductwork.

Key components include:

  • Blower/Fan: Circulates air at the required volume and pressure.
  • Heating & Cooling Coils: Use chilled or hot water, refrigerant, or electric heat to adjust temperature.
  • Filters: Remove dust, pollen, and airborne particles for better indoor air quality.
  • Dampers: Control airflow direction and balance intake and exhaust.
  • Sound Attenuators: Reduce noise levels for quiet operation.
  • Control Panel: Automates fan speeds, temperature setpoints, and monitors system status.

Modern AHUs often integrate with Building Management Systems (BMS) for real-time monitoring, energy tracking, and performance optimization.

Types of Air Handler Units

Lincoln Associates supports a full range of air handlers to match your building’s size and function. We offer systems from Flex Air, Magic Aire, and ThermoTek for a variety of applications:

  • Central Air Handlers: Serve large areas or entire buildings from one location, often installed in mechanical rooms or rooftops.
  • Packaged Units: All-in-one solutions that simplify installation and save space.
  • Modular AHUs: Built in sections for easier shipping and assembly in tight spaces or renovations.
  • Terminal Units: Smaller AHUs that handle individual rooms or zones for precise control.

 

Design Considerations and Best Practices

Every building has unique needs. Lincoln Associates helps you pick the right air handler, size it correctly, and plan the installation so your building gets steady airflow and dependable comfort.

This means:

  • Sizing for proper airflow and static pressure
  • Choosing the right coils for your heating and cooling needs
  • Picking filters that match indoor air quality goals
  • Laying out ductwork to limit energy loss
  • Planning clear access for service and filter changes

 

Applications Across Industries

Reliable air handling equipment is central to many commercial and industrial environments. Lincoln Associates works with Flex Air, Magic Aire, and ThermoTek to provide solutions for diverse industries:

  • Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail centers, and schools rely on consistent air circulation for occupant comfort.
  • Healthcare & Labs: Hospitals and cleanrooms require advanced filtration, pressurization, and precise air quality control.
  • Industrial Facilities: Manufacturing plants and warehouses need robust air handlers to maintain clean air and proper ventilation for workers and equipment.
  • Specialty Applications: Data centers, tech hubs, and high-humidity environments benefit from custom-engineered AHUs that meet unique demands.

 

Benefits of Upgrading Your AHU

Upgrading or replacing aging air handling equipment can bring measurable returns, including:

  • Lower Energy Costs: Variable frequency drives and modern motors improve energy efficiency.
  • Better Indoor Air Quality: Enhanced filtration and air exchange remove pollutants and allergens.
  • Improved Comfort: Advanced controls allow for precise zoning and temperature balancing.
  • Easier Maintenance: Modular designs and accessible components simplify servicing.
  • Compliance & Codes: New AHUs help meet updated energy standards and indoor air quality guidelines.

 

When to Upgrade or Retrofit

If your building has hot and cold spots, poor airflow, or rising energy costs, your AHU could be the issue. Old units cost more to run, break down more often, and can harm indoor air quality. Upgrading or retrofitting your air handler can lower operating costs and extend the life of your HVAC system.

 

Maintenance and Support

A good air handler needs regular attention. Lincoln Associates helps you protect your system investment with:

  • Scheduled inspections and filter swaps
  • Coil cleaning and fan checks
  • Controls testing and recalibration
  • Quick access to parts for fast repairs

 

Why Choose Lincoln Associates

When you work with Lincoln Associates, you get more than just equipment—you get expert guidance from a team that understands real buildings, real code requirements, and how to fit the right air handler to your space. We partner with top manufacturers like Flex Air, Magic Aire, and ThermoTek to deliver reliable, high-performance systems. We’re committed to being by your side, providing support from design through installation and beyond.

 

Start Your Air Handling Project

Not sure where to start? Our team will help you evaluate your current air handling setup, recommend the right approach, and guide you through every step.

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Evaporator Coil - Single-Circuit

Single Circuit

Evaporator Coil - Intertwined

Intertwined

Evaporator Coil - Split Face

Face Split face

Tube Diameter

Use a caliper or tape measure to determine the outside diameter of the tubes.

If necessary, remove insulation to see the incoming and outgoing lines. Measure the diameter of the outside of the line to help determine connection size.

Standard connection types are MPT (male pipe thread), FPT (female pipe thread), and Copper Sweat Connection. MPT is threaded on the outside, FPT is threaded on the inside, and Copper Sweat is used for soldered connections

Fins per Inch

Using a ruler, count the number of fins on the coil within one inch. Normal fin counts will be between 4 and 14 FPI.

Fin Length

Measure in the direction of the tubes, regardless of which direction the tubes are running.

Fin Height

Measure in the direction of the fin.

Single, Double, and Half Serpentine

Rows are counted in the direction of airflow, no matter how the coil is installed. You can count rows by looking at either the header end or the return bend end of the coil. Note that headers or return bends may not be evenly spaced across the coil.

Fluid coils—hot water, chilled water, and glycol water—regulate building air temperature by heating or cooling air in Air Handling Units (AHUs). Constructed with multiple rows of tubes, typically copper, these coils efficiently transfer heat between air and circulating fluids. They are vital for year-round comfort, accommodating diverse fluids like glycols and thermal oils for varied HVAC needs.

Condenser coils transfer heat from refrigerant vapor to the outdoor air, ensuring efficient cooling in HVAC and refrigeration systems. Constructed from materials like copper or aluminum to maximize heat transfer, these coils are vital for maintaining precise temperature control in industrial and commercial environments.

Steam coils utilize the latent heat of steam, released during condensation from vapor to liquid. They feature efficient condensate management to prevent water buildup and ensure uniform steam distribution. Available in configurations for high and low-pressure applications, steam coils are highly effective for heating air in a wide range of environments.

Evaporator coils absorb heat from indoor air to cool and dehumidify spaces by evaporating refrigerant from liquid to vapor. Located indoors, these coils are essential for maintaining comfortable environments in industrial and commercial settings, offering excellent performance in cooling, process cooling, and dehumidification applications. They are versatile for use in Air Handling Units (AHUs), central systems, or duct installations.