https://www.serviceexperts.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-an-air-handler-and-furnace

Air handlers and furnaces aren't typically installed in the same home in North America. If you have a furnace, you most likely won’t need to think about an air handler. Air handlers are frequently paired with heat pumps and manage airflow across your residence. Some systems also provide extra heating and cooling pieces to support the heat pump. A furnace heats in a different manner by pushing heated air into your vents, which send it across your residence. Since furnaces depend on combustion chambers to produce heated air, they don't have some of the parts you'll see in a standard air handler.

What is the Difference Between an Air Handler and Furnace?

Air handlers and furnaces aren't typically found side by side in Memphis. If you use a furnace, you probably don't need to consider an air handler.

Air handlers are often linked with heat pumps and deliver airflow across your home. Some models also have backup heating and cooling parts to support the heat pump.

A furnace runs differently by blowing heated air into your vents, which circulate it around your home. Because furnaces use combustion chambers to make heated air, they don't need some of the components you'll find in a standard air handler.