A guide to choosing the best AHUs for your project - Systemair

Yilmaz explains that the recommendation sets minimum quality criteria for the design, materials and construction of the unit's casing and components, as well as its documentation and delivery. At the same time, the recommended requirements regarding energy efficiency and control systems are also widely discussed. The document, which reflects the knowledge and experiences of a high-level selection of experts in the HVAC industry, will serve consultants as a strong reference, informing them about what distinguishes a good high-quality AHU in all relevant aspects.

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For Gorelkov, the guidelines help bring consultants from all walks of life and different locations to the same perception of what an actual AHU is and the minimum requirements. Quality and minimum standards are especially critical topics in discussions related to Ecodesign requirements and good indoor air quality. “Leakage, thermal bridging, corrosion, hygienic features and filtration are all critical aspects that affect a unit’s energy efficiency and IAQ performance,” he says. “We can’t compromise on quality and material composition. Unfortunately, there are manufacturers that cut corners, and the guideline can help ensure minimum standards are at least implemented in the choice of AHUs.”

Yilmaz underscores that the guidelines are intended not just for consultants but will also help building owners, designers, and end-users assess whether the unit meets the practical expectations and requirements. “If such a guide is not used as a reference or assessment tool, then the responsible people will have to settle with the outdated, copy-pasted specification papers full of obsolete information, which may not be relevant for their project’s needs in reality,” he says. “Then, once the unit fails in the field because of that, it will result in customer dissatisfaction and cost much more to the decision maker, whereas it could have been prevented by taking the experts’ opinions into account in the first place.” Given that the recommendation is quite comprehensive, Yilmaz believes it can be a reference source for all stakeholders at any given time:

Bijmans firmly believes that consultants should use the recommendations during the design and procurement stage for project use. “After this, it would be too late because then the parameters are set,” he says. Ideally, the consultant can use the recommendation to specify the AHU needed for the project before sending them out to the contractor, who can then review the document with the sales team and give input on specific issues. “For example, if the location is near the coast, they can assess if the corrosion level is adequate and provide solutions that meet or exceed the requirements,” he adds. “It is important to learn and train others on minimum requirements at the base level, but depending on the job and requirements, you may need higher requirements.” It must be noted that the general criteria in the document may not always apply to special applications or applications in climate zones very different from most European climate zones.

Although each market in and outside of Europe is growing differently, Bijmans is optimistic that the guidebook will be used for upcoming standards in the AHU business: “In Europe, we are working on a new norm on constructing an AHU, looking at its function and how it should be designed. Therefore, we use this document as a base.” Other parts of the world can adopt the EU norm or, through the help of Eurovent, use this guidebook to set up a norm dedicated to the region as it is a sound basis for developing standards.

“We are by no means saying it’s easy to start implementing minimum standards referenced in this document, especially outside of Europe,” says Gorelkov. “Every market is unique, including the capability to invest in ventilation. For me, an important aspect is trying to spread the knowledge concerning minimum requirements. It’s about taking small steps so that, gradually, this knowledge becomes more commonly requested and understood by the market. Such knowledge supports the evolution of the international industry by ensuring we all speak the same language.”

When it comes to designing an HVAC system that checks all the boxes—efficiency, comfort, and reliability—selecting the right air handling unit (AHU) is a critical decision. Whether you're working on a commercial office, a hospital, or a food processing facility, the AHU must be tailored to the space's specific needs.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key selection factors, explore customization options, dive into industry-specific demands, and introduce you to trusted AHU manufacturers represented by VHF Sales.

Key Factors in Selecting an AHU

1. Capacity & Airflow Requirements

An AHU must be properly sized to handle both the airflow and the thermal load of the space. Under sizing can compromise comfort, while oversizing wastes energy. Consider:

• CFM (cubic feet per minute) requirements

• Static pressure needs

• Zoning and ventilation strategies

2. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Energy-efficient AHUs are a must for reducing operational costs and meeting green building goals. Look for units featuring:

• ECM (electronically commutated motors)

• Heat recovery systems (enthalpy wheels, plate exchangers)

• VFDs (variable frequency drives) for dynamic control

3. Customization & Modular Design

No two buildings are exactly alike. Modular and custom AHUs offer:

• Flexible dimensions and configurations

• Specialized filtration (HEPA, UVGI for infection control)

• Built-in humidification (SteamOvap systems are a great option)

• Corrosion-resistant wall panels or coatings for industrial or coastal sites

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4. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Especially critical in healthcare, education, and lab settings, premium IAQ features include:

• HEPA filtration for fine particulate removal

• UV-C lighting to inhibit microbial growth

• Integrated humidity control to support occupant health

Different Industries, Different Demands

Different sectors have unique environmental and performance requirements. Here’s how AHU needs vary by application:

• Healthcare Facilities: Require tight humidity control, HEPA filtration, low-leakage, and redundancy for infection prevention and patient safety.

• Commercial Buildings: Focused on energy savings, occupant comfort, and flexible zoning for changing tenant needs.

• Industrial Settings: Often need robust construction, corrosion-resistant materials, and high static pressure for large, low-leakage ductwork systems.

• Hospitality & Spas: Prioritize quiet operation, humidity control, and energy-efficient performance to maintain guest comfort.

• Educational Institutions: Demand enhanced IAQ and low noise levels to support learning environments.

• Laboratories & Cleanrooms: Require ultra-clean environments with strict air quality control and specialized pressurization.

Leading AHU Manufacturers Represented by VHF Sales

When it comes to quality and performance, partnering with a proven manufacturer makes all the difference.

VHF proudly represents:

Dunham-Bush – Delivering reliable, energy-efficient AHUs for commercial and industrial markets.

Buffalo Air Handling – Specialists in custom-built, large-scale AHUs engineered to meet the most demanding applications.

ClimateMaster – Experts in process cooling and precision air handling for industrial environments.

Bard – HVAC exterior and interior mounted units

SystemAir – Fan Coil Units and Energy Recovery Ventilators

NexGen – DOAS Units

Let’s Get Your Project Off the Ground

Contact us to discuss your requirements of electrode humidifier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.