Which statement best differentiates an air handling unit (AHU) from a rooftop unit (RTU) in terms of location and packaging?

• A. AHUs are outdoor packaged units with integrated components; RTUs are indoor modular units.
• B. AHUs are indoor, modular units with coils and filters; RTUs are packaged units installed on roofs or outdoors with integrated components.
• C. AHUs are mounted on the roof; RTUs are installed inside a mechanical room.
• D. AHUs never include filters; RTUs always include filters.

Answer: (B)

The difference being tested is where the equipment is located and how it is packaged. An air handling unit is typically an indoor, modular unit that includes essential components like coils and filters as part of a central air distribution system. A rooftop unit is a self-contained packaged system installed outdoors (often on a roof) that houses the necessary components in one weatherproof box, ready to connect to ductwork.

So the best statement describes AHUs as indoor, modular units with coils and filters, and RTUs as packaged units installed on roofs or outdoors with integrated components. This captures both the indoor vs outdoor location and the modular vs packaged nature of the units. The other options misstate either the location or the packaging, or imply filters aren’t part of one of the systems.