When is it worth installing them?
Choosing between fan coil units and air conditioners is one of the most common dilemmas in residential and commercial projects. Although both systems offer cooling and heating, differ significantly in philosophy, installation and energy efficiency. The following is a detailed comparison, based on the solutions proposed by Alphatech, to decide which one best suits your needs.
What are Fan Coils?
Fan coils are indoor water units designed to maintain the optimum temperature in the room; they can provide heating, cooling, dehumidification and even air purification in 24/7 operation
They can be can be successfully combined with heat pumps (heating & cooling) and boilers (heating only) so they can easily "snap" onto a central circuit.
The wall-mounted MIRROR HW by Alphatech is just 12cm thick, has a DC-Inverter motor and a sound level comparable to a radiator, making it ideal for spaces where aesthetics and comfort are a priority
What are split air conditioners?
These are direct expansion refrigerant systems. They offer high performance with low investment costs and are considered to be the most efficient and cost-effective way to reduce the value-for-money solution for each type of dwelling or business. Each indoor unit operates autonomously - so it is ideal when local, fast response times are needed without a central infrastructure.
The series Panasonic Etherea has INVERTER+, SEER/SCOP class A+++, technology nanoe™X for clean air and compact design for easy installation.
| Criterion | Fan Coil Units | Split air conditioners |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | High SEER/SCOP when combined with a heat pump. Ideal for buildings with a low energy footprint. | High SEER up to A+++, excellent partial charging, but lower overall efficiency in large buildings. |
| Architecture & noise | Slim bodies, noise levels up to ~20-30 dB(A) (Mirror FS & HW). | Compact indoor units, noise typically 19-40 dB(A). |
| Installation | A water piping network and a circulator are required. Lower water pressure → simpler maintenance. | Copper refrigerant tubing, strong vacuum. Generally faster first fitting. |
| Maintenance | Filter cleaning & circuit cleaning & venting. Fewer potential leaks. | Annual service, refrigerant measurement, cleaning of the heat exchanger/fan/filters. |
| Investment cost | Higher initial network costs, lower operational costs if powered by AGVs. | Lower initial cost very good solution for individual spaces. |
| Future scalability | Easy addition of additional bodies to the same circuit. | You also need an external unit, and therefore higher costs. |
| Independence | Ability to use an independent thermostat in each fan-coil, but with a common water temperature in all units. | Complete and immediate flexibility per room - even for simultaneous heating and cooling in different rooms. |
Aircondition
fan coils
Underfloor heating
Gas boilers
Heat pumps
Pyrolysis boilers
Heating radiators
Pipes - Hydraulics
