Most people don’t know about fan coil products, let alone the difference between them and air conditioning equipment. This is not surprising. After all, this type of product appeared later and is rarely used by the public alone.
We can distinguish from a professional perspective, such as the refrigeration system. Both fan coil units and air conditioners are used to regulate indoor temperature, but they operate differently and each has unique functions and applications.
It is better to be more specific, such as from the perspective of their functional modules, appearance, etc.
Air conditioning is often called a split system or central air conditioning unit, which consists of an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor evaporator coil. The compressor unit circulates refrigerant between indoor and outdoor components, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it to the outside. This process effectively cools the air, which is then distributed throughout the building through a duct system. Air conditioning is usually used in larger residential and commercial spaces, providing cooling for the entire house or building.
On the other hand, a fan coil unit (FCU) is a simpler system that is usually used in smaller spaces or single rooms. It consists of a fan and a coil, which is usually installed in a housing or casing. A fan draws air from the room and blows it across the coil, which is heated or cooled by a separate source, such as a boiler or chiller. Fan coil units are commonly used in hotels, apartments, and offices, where they offer local temperature control and zoning flexibility.
One notable difference between the two systems is their installation and flexibility. Air conditioners require outdoor space to install the compressor unit and require a large amount of ducting to distribute the air, which makes them more suitable for new construction or large renovations. In contrast, fan coil units are easier to install and can be retrofitted into existing buildings with minimal disruption, making them a cost-effective option for small projects or room-by-room installations.
In addition, air conditioners tend to offer more comprehensive cooling features, including dehumidification and air filtration options, which are essential for maintaining indoor air quality and comfort in certain environments. Although fan coil units are simpler in design, they can provide efficient heating and cooling for a single space, but may lack some of the advanced features of central air conditioning systems.
Objectively speaking, common air conditioners can already meet the daily use of ordinary people, unless you live in places such as India where the temperature exceeds 45°C. Another great use of fan coil products is in your large single-family buildings, or areas such as shopping malls, public office areas, mines, etc.
In conclusion, while both fan coil units and air conditioners are used to cool indoor spaces, they differ in terms of complexity, installation requirements, and application versatility. The choice between the two depends on factors such as the size of the space, budget considerations, and specific cooling needs.