Installation of fan coil units

Maintaining the ideal temperature in our homes is essential for comfort and health, particularly in the event of severe weather. The efficient installation of fan coil units is one of the essential elements in reaching this level of comfort. Through the use of hot or cold air circulation, these units are essential in controlling the temperature of our living areas. This post will go over all there is to know about fan coil units, from their fundamental operation to the advantages they offer for our houses.

A fan coil unit is fundamentally a device made up of a control system, a coil, and a fan. Depending on the selected temperature settings, these parts cooperate to either heat or cool the air going through the unit. Fan coil units have a more flexible installation method than traditional HVAC systems, which depend on ductwork to distribute air. As a result, they can be used in a variety of settings, including residential homes.

The ability of fan coil units to offer customized climate control is one of their main benefits. These units can be placed in particular rooms or zones, allowing residents to customize the temperature instead of heating or cooling the entire house at once. This degree of personalization lowers energy use and utility expenses while also improving comfort.

Fan coil units are also well-known for operating relatively quietly, which makes them perfect for offices, bedrooms, or any other space where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. The soft hum of the fan and the soft air movement provide a calming atmosphere that is good for rest and work.

Fan coil unit installation can be beneficial in a number of ways, whether you’re planning an HVAC system for a newly constructed home or retrofitting an existing one. These units are a great addition to any home looking for the best heating and cooling options because of their quiet operation, energy-efficient operation, and placement flexibility.

So how do these devices work

Operating principle

Depending on the operating mode chosen, the air that the fan drives through the fan coil’s heat exchanger is either heated or cooled. In this instance, fresh air supplied by a special machine called a chiller—the central unit when creating a system of air conditioning or heating for all of the building’s rooms with the aid of fan coils—creates the air flow instead of the room’s existing air mass. In contrast, a supply unit that pulls air from the street supplies the chiller.

What benefit does a centralized air conditioning system like this offer?

Varieties of fan-coils

There are currently four primary categories of this kind of gear:

1. Cantilever cabinetless.
2. Cantilevered in the casing.
3. Horizontal.
4. Cassette fan-coil.

Each type of climate equipment can be installed as a built-in, wall, floor, or ceiling unit, depending on the installation requirements. Fan coil units can be outfitted with two or four pipes, depending on the assigned tasks. The unit can only be used to heat or cool the air in the room when it has a two-pipe system. Four-pipe piping enables you to operate the installation, heating, and cooling systems, as well as the cold and hot chiller circuits, all from the control panel. The cost of installing fancoils with four-pipe piping is substantially higher than that of two-pipe piping because of the intricacy of the execution.

Classification

Knowing the specifications and performance traits of the devices will enable you to make an informed decision about which ones are best for your installation.

Right now, there are four distinct fan coil designs to select from:

1. Cantilever type.
2. Cantilever type in casing.
3. Cassette type.
4. Horizontal type.

There are several methods available for installing each of these kinds of heat exchangers in a space:

• wall-hung type;
• Installed simply on the floor of the room;
• to be integrated into the ventilation system of the building;
• to be installed in suspended ceiling constructions.

The primary features of the fan coil that affect which device to choose are as follows:

• cold air capacity;
• total air performance.

Attaching the cassette fan coil

Systems for heat exchangers that use water as a carrier can also be:

1. Two-pipe. This strapping scheme is the simplest and most common one. It only allows you to cool the air in the room. Therefore, the cost of such a device will be low. In winter, the two-pipe fancoils can be switched to heating mode, but for this purpose the pipes must be disconnected from the chiller and connected to the central heating system. This function is performed by a special valve that can be adjusted manually.
2. Four-pipe. This system has two heat exchangers, one of which is connected to the chiller and the other to the hot medium system (central heating system). This scheme of piping is more complicated. Therefore, the price of such a fan-coil will be higher as well. This system allows you to either cool or heat the air in the room, without having to make complicated pipe switches, but only by selecting the desired mode on the unit"s control panel. It is better to install such fan-coils in the area of windows, as this way heat losses through the glass will be compensated.

Chillers and fan coil units for central air conditioning systems

A type of air conditioning device known as a "chiller-fancoil" is distinguished by the circulating water (ethylene/propylene glycol) between the units acting as a refrigerant.

A chiller is a refrigeration device that reduces the coolant’s liquid temperature. installed in the technical room, attic, and roof. The system needs to be drained before the cold season arrives if the machine is mounted on a roof.

Fan-coil: an internal component of the apparatus that has a coil heat exchanger and a fan. extremely similar to a split system unit on the outside.

Three operating modes are available for the apparatus: heating, cooling, and cooling-heating (4-pipe piping).

Interior unit modifications include:

• wall
• cassette
• ducted
• floor-to-ceiling.

Give a brief overview of the installation plans.

Stages of installation works

The following order is followed when installing the chiller-fancoil system:

1. The chiller is installed in the technical room or on the roof.
2. The place of installation is determined according to the plan. The casing of the indoor unit is fixed on the wall, ceiling or in the ventilation.
3. Units are connected to ducts. For duct models, valves are installed to regulate the fresh air supply.
4. Tie-in units are assembled near the fancoils, sensors and taps are installed.
5. Pipes are laid and thermal insulation is made.
6. Drainage is discharged into the sewerage system.
7. The system is connected to the power grid.
8. The first switching on and testing for tightness – pressure test.
9. Filling of pipes with coolant and final testing of the object.
10. Drawing up a statement of completed works.

The following is the order in which dismantling is done:

• bridging of nodes near the fancoils;
• disconnection from the water supply system;
• blocking the drainage;
• Disconnection from the network.

When replacing a fan coil, consideration is given to the pipe diameters in both the old and new systems.

Types of fan coil installation

The fan coil’s basic design offers the following:

• availability of piping that transports hot or cold water depending on the task at a certain time period – winter, summer;
• The presence of a chiller, which prepares the desired water temperature and creates a flow of fresh air taken from the street;
• internal devices (fan coil units), through which the temperature in the room is regulated.

Devices for controlling the indoor climate:

• Cassette. Installed behind suspended ceilings. Suitable for large areas in shopping centers, production facilities.
• Ducted. Located in ventilation shafts.
• Wall-mounted. Good choice for small rooms – apartments, offices.
• Floor-to-ceiling. Suitable for placement under the ceiling or near the wall.

There are advantages and disadvantages to installing various types of chillers and fancoils.

• Duct is able to perform three functions (cooling, heating, ventilation), but requires accurate calculations on the air volume consumed, consultation of specialists in terms of installing a water heating system for the winter period.
• Installation of cassette-type fan coil units allows to save space, to condition large rooms, but requires space under the ceiling, which is allocated for the installation of the unit.
• Installation of floor-type fan coil units allows to cool rooms of complex design without affecting people"s health, but requires more power and space on the floor or under the ceiling.
• Connection of a wall-type fan coil is the least economical way, but it is simpler.

There are two- and four-pipe versions of the systems available. A four-pipe installation costs more because it offers simultaneous heating and cooling. Although the two-pipe system is less expensive, you will need to connect the pipes from the cooling unit to the boiler during the heating season in order for them to serve as a heating system.

Installing coil units for duct fans using a hidden connection technique. To gain access to the unit, the ceiling section needs to be movable.

Wall, floor, and cassette units are all installed in an open configuration. Open-type devices are easier to use and maintain.

Stages of installation work

It is possible to conditionally divide the fancoil installation process into multiple stages:

1. Selecting the correct installation location.
2. Fixing the device to the building envelope.
3. Creating the piping system.
4. Laying of pipelines for the supply and discharge of working fluids.
5. Installation and connection of drainage system.
6. Connection of power supply and control system.
7. Checking the tightness of the system.
8. Setting up the operation.

Fancoil installation work is done nearly the same way despite the design differences.

It should be recognized that the skillful installation of fan coils directly affects the quality and longevity of the entire system, so it is preferable to leave such tasks to experts.

When choosing a company to install and maintain this kind of climate equipment, you should consider the expertise of the experts and whether the business has the required equipment on hand.

Installation of the electrical connection scheme of fan-coils

An electrical schematic of a fan coil mounted on the wall

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the wiring diagram. Electrical devices need to be grounded.

Conditions for attaching fan coil units to the main power supply:

• Use cable according to the recommendations in the manual;
• organize a separate power supply with the required voltage;
• All wiring, including earthing, must be connected directly to the panel;
• The water circuit must be located on the opposite side of the terminal box;
• The elements of the hydraulic circuit must not come into contact with the wires.

After inspecting the insulation, the unit is turned on. Checked independently the fan impeller’s rotational direction, the drain pump’s performance, and, if available, the electric heater.

The testing results are used to create a report. A contract for continued service is signed with the business at the same time.

One important subject we cover in our guide to heating and insulating your home is installing fan coil units. When it comes to effectively heating and cooling interior spaces, these units are a popular option. When installing fan coil units, it’s important to carefully plan and take into account things like your home’s layout, the amount of capacity required for efficient heating and cooling, and where to put the unit to get the best airflow. This post will walk you through the process step-by-step, from choosing the best unit to making sure a trained professional installs it correctly, assisting you in creating a cozy and energy-efficient environment in your house.

Installation

The process of installing fan coils and chillers involves several fundamental steps:

1. The unit is first installed in the room.
2. Then the piping assembly is assembled.
3. Pipes and thermal insulation are installed to them.
4. Air ducts are laid and their noise insulation is organized.
5. A drainage system is created.
6. The equipment is connected to the power grid.
7. Airtightness is checked.
8. The system is started up.

Installation by type of device

Floor mounted

The floor-standing fan coil without a condensate channel has the simplest installation procedure. They can be installed separately and don’t detract from the interior design. The mixer and the working fluid flow through two branches in the typical design of such equipment.

Cassette, wall-mounted and under-ceiling units

It’s a little trickier to install the cassette fan coil and the other two. They come in two- or four-pipe varieties. Their electrical system, however, may differ significantly from floor-standing systems.

Thus, it is best to leave the installation of cassette, underfloor, and wall-mounted fan coils to the professionals.

With the help of specialists

It’s best to get in touch with the professionals because connecting a fan coil is a complicated procedure that calls for experience. They alone possess the expertise to complete the following tasks:

• installation of the unit in the most efficient place;
• assembly of piping units by installing the necessary taps, temperature and pressure control devices, valves;
• laying and heat insulation of pipes;
• Installation of condensate drainage;
• connecting the appliances to the electrical network;
• pressure testing of the system;
• Check for leaks;
• water supply.

Prior to beginning any work, they will perform all necessary calculations and account for the unique characteristics of the space as well as the load on each fan coil. Experts will build a long-lasting, dependable system that is safe for the user.

What should be remembered when contacting specialists

You ought to consider the following factors when selecting the best installation company:

• a lot of experience;
• quality equipment and spare parts;
• The company performs all stages of installation: from thermal calculation to checking the system operation.

If a customer lacks specialized knowledge, it will be challenging for them to ensure that the process is correct and that all requirements are met. Furthermore, if you don’t know much about a specific model, you could easily break the device.

Installation of fan coil with piping

This air conditioning system is used for heating in addition to cooling. The central heating system and the chiller are connected to the indoor unit. For this, a second heat exchange circuit is employed.

Two different kinds of strapping are identified based on this:

1. Two-pipe. Operation only for heating (chiller is equipped with a heat pump) or cooling. The piping is organized by a two-pipe circuit with one heat exchanger. Here the unit is equipped with a 2-way valve that works to open/close the fluid supply inside the heat exchanger.
2. Four-pipe. Connection of the device for cooling/heating at the same time. One circuit is designed to be connected to a chiller machine. The second two-pipe circuit is for connection to the central heating system. In this way, the unit cools and heats the rooms at the same time. Relevant for buildings where separate temperature settings are required for different rooms.

When the heating is connected, a 3-way valve is used to supply the liquid instead of the internal unit, maintaining the circuit autonomy and its temperature characteristics.

When used in conjunction with central air conditioning equipment, this device raises the cooled air quality to the necessary microclimatic indicators. Energy expenses are greatly reduced when central heating is an option during the winter. especially pertinent for sizable business centers, retail malls, and office buildings. Installation is also feasible for country homes.

System tests

Several test procedures must be completed before a fan coil system is turned on. This is required to verify that every component of the apparatus is operating as intended.

Pressure test

The water supply pipe must first be flushed through in its entirety with water. After that, water is poured into the entire system, and every joint’s tightness is examined. Using a hydraulic pump to pressurize the system is the next step. For five minutes, the system is under pressure. This will assist in locating any leaks that escaped notice during the preliminary visual examination.

Water start-up

It is possible that air will remain in the system after the water circuit has been filled with liquid. It takes a few hours to remove and is done while the equipment is operating. A manual bleed valve is used to help accomplish these tasks.

It is required to inspect the fan coil’s drainage. A tiny quantity of water is added to the condensate collection tank for this reason. Through the drain tube, the liquid ought to progressively drain out. Check the angle of the drain slope if this isn’t the case.

Power supply

Once all wiring sections have been inspected, the unit can only be connected to the mains.

What you should be aware of is:

1. Rotor. Even air distribution and fan rotation direction are checked.
2. Automatic control mechanisms.
3. Electric heater.
4. Condensate pump.

The fan coil can be turned on once every mechanism has been checked one last time and a matching document has been created.

It is necessary to inspect the condensate drain pump prior to plugging in the unit.

Features of fan coil units installation

These pieces of equipment are typically installed in groups, dispersed throughout the floors and rooms, rather than in isolation.

• The equipment with the same hydraulic resistance mounted on one floor is installed according to the scheme shown in Figure 1.
• Equipment with the same hydraulic resistance intended for installation on different floors is mounted according to the scheme shown in Figure 2.
• Fan-coils with different hydraulic resistance, installed on one floor, are mounted according to the scheme shown in Figure 3.
• Devices with different hydraulic resistance, installed on different floors, are installed according to the scheme shown in Figure 4.
• The main advantage of schemes 1 and 2 is that there is no need to set up a working fluid circuit. The advantage of schemes 3 and 4 can be considered to be the lower pipeline flow rate.

Differences in the installation of different types of indoor units

The ventilation shaft is where the duct fan coil is situated.

In theory, the two-pipe and four-pipe fan coil schemes are not the same. In the first example, the heating and air conditioning systems are powered by two linked circuits. When changing modes, no extra precautions are needed because the function is handled by remote control. It is necessary to manually drain all of the liquid in a two-pipe system before switching. This approach necessitates extra seasonal upkeep and estimated costs.

The internal unit installation process varies depending on where the devices are located.

• on different levels (floors), but have the same hydraulic resistance (HR);
• at the same level at the same HS;
• with different GS, but located at the same level;
• with different GS at different levels.

When the building is still in the construction or rough repair stage, installation work should be completed. The last tasks involve installing decorative grilles on the cassette units and adjusting the automatic equipment after the repair is finished.

Housing may or may not be installed on the interior units:

1. Enclosure models are installed equidistantly around the perimeter of the room or building, regardless of the location of the rooms. This applies to a two-pipe system that operates only for cooling.
2. Enclosure-less models are installed mostly concealed. The housing-less units are provided with anti-vibration mounts.

Floor units are thought to be simple to install, but in order to prevent liquid stagnation, drainage must be installed with the proper angle of inclination, and they must be connected to the power grid. You can complete the task on your own if you accurately follow the directions or consult the video clips.

Wall-mounted models need a specialist’s help, and they need to:

• Proper piping;
• adjust the control devices;
• check the pressure;
• make thermal insulation;
• lay pipes;
• Perform a pressure test;
• connect to the mains.

For cassette models, you will need to install vibration protection, soundproofing, appropriately choose and cut a hole in the suspended ceiling, and then connect to the heating circuit and cold water supply. Before commissioning, every connection needs to be examined and verified.

Shut-off valves

Three-way valve for shut-off

Cooling systems have both two- and three-way shut-off valves installed. The piping assembly’s two-way valve is less dependable but simpler. In any case, installing a three-way valve is advised. Here’s where the differences lie:

1. With the 2-way valve, the cooled liquid continues to flow into the fan coil when the fan coil is switched off, but at a lower rate. Cooling continues after switching off.
2. The 3-way valve completely blocks the refrigerant supply, so the system does not cool the room when it is switched off.

Installation Steps	Notes
1. Positioning	Find suitable locations on walls or ceilings for fan coil units.
2. Mounting	Securely attach the units using appropriate brackets or supports.
3. Electrical Connection	Connect wiring to power source following safety guidelines.
4. Piping	Connect piping for water supply and return, ensuring proper insulation.
5. Testing	Test functionality and performance of the installed units.

The heating and cooling system in your house can operate more comfortably and efficiently with the installation of fan coil units. These units provide a flexible solution for year-round temperature control, covering both heating and cooling needs.

The versatility of installation is a major benefit of fan coil units. They provide a flexible solution to meet different space requirements and heating/cooling needs, and they are easily incorporated into both new construction projects and existing homes.

The energy efficiency of fan coil units is an additional advantage. These units can minimize energy consumption and achieve precise temperature control by utilizing a combination of forced air and water circulation. This lowers utility costs while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability.

Fan coil units also operate quietly, which guarantees that your house stays quiet and free of the bothersome noise that comes with conventional heating and cooling systems. This is particularly crucial in spaces like living rooms and bedrooms where noise pollution may be an issue.

In conclusion, installing fan coil units offers a useful and effective way to heat and cool your house. These units offer cost savings and environmental advantages in addition to creating a comfortable indoor environment thanks to their adaptability, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. For year-round comfort and peace of mind, think about adding fan coil units to your home’s heating and cooling system.

Video on

Electrolux cassette fan coil installation. Gallery shopping mall. Minsk

Installation of cassette fan-coil, connection of electrics and pipelines

Installation of ceiling cassette air conditioner from a, to z, type "fancoil" (part-1).

FAN for fan coil. The cheapest option!

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Fan coil installation

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What is a chiller – fan-coil system and an example of ducted fan-coil installation in Vander Park Residential Complex.