Many users often confuse the terms—or the physical devices—responsible for ventilation and air conditioning, sometimes treating them as interchangeable. However, while both work together within comprehensive HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) solutions, they serve different functions and are not substitutes for one another.
Ventilation provides fresh air and ensures occupant health, while Air Conditioning controls temperature and humidity. Modern technologies, particularly in monoblock systems and compact air handling units, can integrate these functions into a single installation, minimizing spatial requirements and reducing energy consumption.
An AHU forces a constant flow of air: it removes CO2, moisture, volatile organic compounds, and microorganisms, while simultaneously supplying fresh, filtered air. Without it, oxygen levels drop within minutes in a busy office or warehouse, and rising humidity promotes mold growth and microbial proliferation.
An AHU typically consists of fans, air filters, heaters, and in some cases, coolers, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers.
AHU vs. Ventilation – The Differences
Ventilation is the general process of air exchange in a room, which can be achieved through natural (gravity) or mechanical means. An Air Handling Unit is a component of a mechanical ventilation system that enables controlled and effective air exchange regardless of atmospheric conditions.
Yes. Many modern AHUs are equipped with heaters and coolers. However, their primary function remains air exchange, rather than full-scale space heating or cooling, which is the domain of air conditioning systems.
Air conditioning focuses on maintaining specific thermal and humidity conditions. Unlike ventilation, standard air conditioning does not provide fresh outdoor air; instead, it recirculates the air already present in the room to cool or heat it.
No. Even the best air conditioner cannot replace the need for fresh air, and heat recovery (recuperation) alone without a cooling source in July will turn an office into a greenhouse. The systems work "shoulder to shoulder": ventilation ensures air quality, while air conditioning ensures thermal comfort. Together, they allow designers to reduce cooling capacity requirements because heat recovery lowers internal energy loads.
Modern Ratherm units utilize rotary or counter-flow heat exchangers, recovering 70–85% of the energy from exhaust air, which can reduce heating bills by up to 40%
| Criteria | Air handling unit | Air conditioning |
| Primary Goal | Air exchange, contaminant removal | Temperature and humidity control |
| Working medium | Air flow +heat recovery | Compressor- based refrigerant |
| Operation | 24 h – health and safety | Depending on heat loads |
| Energy source | Motor + recuperator | Compressor + fans |
| Reference standard | PN‑EN 16798 (vetilation) | PN‑EN 14511 (cooling) |
A Rooftop is a fully integrated heating, cooling, and ventilation unit mounted on the roof—ideal when indoor space is limited. A Rooftop unit (or Split/VRF system) adds cooling, heating, and dehumidification to the airflow via a refrigeration cycle, allowing it to precisely maintain 22°C in summer and 24°C in winter.
The XK Series combines supply, exhaust, filtration, a water or electric heater, and heat recovery in one casing. Thanks to integrated Plug & Play automation, the installer only needs to connect the power and ducts.
The XD Series is a true "all-in-one" solution: mechanical ventilation, a DX (direct expansion) cooling section, a heat pump module, and free-cooling. With capacities ranging from 3000 to 33000 m3/h and cooling power up to 180 kW, these units can serve anything from a 500-seat cinema to a massive distribution center.
Tailor Your Systems to Your Needs and Budget
Ventilation provides your daily supply of oxygen; air conditioning provides precise temperature control. Ratherm’s compact and rooftop units bring these two worlds together in one energy-efficient housing—resulting in fewer cables, faster installation, and lower operating costs.
If you are planning an investment, contact us! We will design a "tailor-made" solution for your project and provide the data and concrete benefits of our systems.