Fan Coil Units

A fan coil unit is a device used for heating, cooling, and even air conditioning in all types of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. It comes in various types. In simple terms, a fan coil is a device that has a heat exchanger and a fan. This device is considered part of air conditioning systems and has various features. It can adjust the temperature in its surrounding space by creating air suction, and this process is controlled by a manual switch or thermostat. The thermostat sends signals to the control valve or fan to adjust the water flow rate or fan speed to create the desired temperature in any space. Essentially, the fan coil is fed with hot or cold water from a chiller or central boiler. These fans use a four-pipe system, with two units for cooling and heating simultaneously and two pipes for hot or cold water.

Installing a fan coil is easy, so you don’t need to worry about the installation and setup when purchasing one. Typically, you can find information about its use, maintenance, and repair inside the user manual provided with the unit. When a fan coil cools the air, the condensate water flows into the bottom tray of the coils and is drained out through drain pipes.

Types of Fan Coils

When purchasing or inquiring about fan coil prices, keep in mind that these types of fans, like chillers, are categorized as follows:

1. Cassette Fan Coil
   This type of fan does not occupy any specific space because it can be installed in false ceilings and has a unique design and aesthetic appeal. Therefore, if you have limited space for installing a fan coil, you can opt for the cassette type. Cassette fan coils are widely sold in luxury shopping centers, and you can easily select and install this type.

2. Single-Sided Cassette Fan Coil
   This type is generally used in central air conditioning systems. If you’re looking for a fan coil for a central air conditioning system, this is recommended. The single-sided cassette fan coil is designed to direct air in one direction, and it is easy to install on the ceiling.

3. Four-Way Cassette Fan Coil
   This type of fan coil directs warm or cold air in four different directions, and all four directions are equipped with a drain pump for condensate removal. The volume of air and temperature control in this type is managed via a remote control.

4. Built-in Ceiling Fan Coil
   When purchasing a built-in ceiling fan coil, note that this type is installed inside false ceilings. Its advantages include ease of choosing air vent locations and installation. These fans are commonly used in construction projects under false ceilings and above doors, with a maintenance access vent located beneath it.

5. Ducted Fan Coil
   This fan type has a very high external static pressure and resembles the built-in ceiling fan coils in appearance. It can be installed inside false ceilings. Due to its high air volume and noise, ducted fan coils are typically used in large spaces like lobbies, hallways in commercial buildings, and places with high ceilings.

6. Floor Standing Fan Coil
   These are commonly used fan coils that can be installed vertically on the ground. If you’re looking for a fan coil for office or residential spaces where false ceilings aren’t feasible, a floor-standing fan coil is suitable. However, this type occupies space in the environment. The advantage is that its installation cost is lower compared to built-in or ceiling fan coils, making it a suitable choice if you’re looking for a more affordable option.

Applications of Fan Coils

A fan coil is typically used when there’s a need to control the temperature of a space independently. These fans can also prevent the transfer of contaminants between rooms, making them suitable for residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, offices, etc.

The main advantage of these fans is that their piping systems require less space. These devices can also work efficiently with central heating systems and chillers. They allow the control of different areas separately, making it possible to manage each room’s temperature independently, which helps reduce energy costs. Furthermore, they can heat water at very low temperatures, making them suitable for areas where heating is generated only by solar panels. For building systems, fan coil piping and wiring can use larger ducts for simpler air systems.

For the plumbing system of these fan coils, it is important to note that the fan coil can be either a two-pipe or four-pipe system. The two-pipe system consists of one input pipe and one return pipe, which supply hot and cold water for use. The four-pipe system has two pipes for supplying and two return pipes, allowing hot and cold water to enter the fan coil simultaneously as controlled by the system.