Fan-coil Air-conditioning System: What Is It and How Does It Work?

The fan-coil air conditioning system is an efficient and versatile solution for heating, cooling and ventilation of indoor spaces. In this post, we will explore in detail what a fan-coil is and how it works, as well as its advantages and most common applications. Discover how this system can efficiently and flexibly provide thermal comfort in your home or office.

What is air conditioning through fan-coils?

Fan coils, also known as fan coils, are air conditioning units used for heating, cooling and ventilation of indoor spaces. These systems consist of a heat exchange coil, a fan and a filter.

The basic function of a fan coil is to draw air from the room through the fan, which passes it through the heat exchange coil. Depending on whether heating or cooling is required, the coil may be connected to a hot or cold water system. The air is heated or cooled as it comes into contact with the coil, and is then distributed back into the room through the outlet grilles.

Fan-coil air-conditioning systems are flexible and versatile, as they can be used in a wide variety of spaces, such as offices, hotels, residences, hospitals and other commercial or residential buildings. In addition, they can be integrated into centralised air-conditioning systems or used independently in individual rooms.

Most common types of fan coil

In general, there are two types of fan coils that differ in their design: two-pipe and four-pipe fan coils.

Two-pipe fan coils have one pipe to conduct hot air from the heat source to the space to be air-conditioned, and another to conduct cold air back to the heat source. These systems provide either hot or cold water depending on the season. The only drawback is that they cannot provide both hot and cold at the same time, but they are quite cost-effective systems.

Four-pipe fan coils, on the other hand, have two supply pipes and two return pipes.  Each circuit operates independently, which allows them to generate cooling and heating simultaneously. This type of fan coil is associated with a higher level of comfort and is often found in larger spaces such as offices, hospitals and large warehouses. However, its cost is higher.

As for their placement, there are various typologies that adapt to the needs of each space. Some of the most common are:

Wall fan-coil

This type of fan-coil is installed on the wall, generally under a window, and is designed to provide heating and cooling in individual rooms. They are compact and blend discreetly into their surroundings.

Ceiling fan coil

These fan coils are installed in the ceiling and are designed to supply air conditioning and heating through outlet grilles in the ceiling. They are popular in commercial buildings and offices, as they allow for even air distribution.

Floor fan coil

These fan coils are placed on the floor, usually under a window, and provide heating and cooling in individual rooms. They are similar to wall-mounted fan coils, but are installed at floor level.

Cassette fan coil

These fan coils are installed in the ceiling and are designed to fit into a false or suspended ceiling. They have an unobtrusive appearance and are often used in commercial or office spaces.

Fan-coil heat pumps

This type of fan-coil air-conditioning is connected to an air duct system and is used to air-condition multiple rooms or zones through outlet grilles. They are common in centralised air conditioning systems in larger buildings.

Bombas de calor con fan-coil

The variety of fan-coil types allows you to place them almost anywhere in the room where you want to install them. But their versatility also means that they can be used with many types of air-conditioning systems. The most recommended combination in terms of efficiency is the fan-coil with a heat pump. This is because heat pumps are highly efficient systems that, combined with fan coil, offer ideal comfort in the home. There are two types of heat pumps, both of which bring many benefits to the user:

Ground-source heat pumps harness the thermal energy stored in the ground to provide heating and cooling. They use a system of buried pipes that exchange heat with the ground, making them efficient and sustainable. They are ideal for spaces where sufficient land is available.

Air-source heat pumps obtain thermal energy from the outside air to provide indoor air conditioning. They are easy to install and suitable for locations where there is not enough space for a geothermal installation. They are efficient and versatile, as they can operate in both heating and cooling modes.

Both types of heat pumps offer benefits such as energy efficiency, reduced emissions and versatility in air conditioning. The combination of a fan-coil with a heat pump is recommended for its efficiency and adaptability to different air conditioning systems.

If you are looking for an integral air conditioning solution, whether for residential buildings, commercial or industrial areas, the combination of fan-coil air conditioning with heat pumps is a very good option. You will enjoy a comfortable and efficient environment all year round.