What is the difference between a fan coil and a heat pump

This is done by collecting excess moisture from the air onto the coil itself before draining it into a drip pan. There are several potential problems that can arise with both types of coils. Fan coils can become damaged by dirt and debris buildup over time. This can lead to bent or broken fan blades, which may need to be replaced. Rust and corrosion can also create a refrigerant leak, which can prevent the entire AC system from doing its job.

Evaporator coils are prone to freezing in seriously hot temperatures when the AC is running continuously. Excess moisture and the accumulation of debris on these coils can also reduce efficiency or cause the unit to stop working altogether.

The best way to maintain fan coils and evaporator coils in an air conditioning unit is to take preventative measures. Regularly check for refrigerant leaks and broken or chipped fan blades.

Encourage homeowners to have their HVAC systems inspected and tuned up on an annual basis for the best results. Routine maintenance can go a long way in saving homeowners from expensive coil repairs while keeping AC systems running reliably and efficiently.

The fan coil is like a forced air furnace except that the heat source is a boiler, or in some cases a hot water heater certified for DHW and space heating. The hot water is pumped through a heating coil in the fan coil unit and then the heat is transferred to the air through ductwork. Radiant floor heating is typically more popular in urban settings, added Mackinnon.

The drawback to radiant floor heating is that a separate air conditioning system is required, although the proliferation of mini-split systems makes this a lot easier and less expensive than it was in the past. The contractor who can quote the heating and air conditioning systems as a package has an advantage. The heat pump is essentially an air conditioner that doubles as a heating unit. There are several different types of heat pumps — air to air, water to air and ground source geothermal , for example.

In recent years variable refrigerant flow VRF systems have come on the market. The technology was invented by Daikin in Wikipedia and operates at varying loads depending on need, resulting in substantially increased energy efficiency. An air-to-air heat pump transfers heat from the outside air into the home.

There are now units that can heat a home even when the outside temperature is C. In the summer, it reverses the process, rejecting heat from inside to the outdoors, thus providing air conditioning.

Many homes had electric baseboard heating when hydro was cheaper. That has made heat pumps a popular option providing a more comfortable heat and air conditioning. The oldest form of heating, with wood, is still around and still widely used in rural areas.

Many rural home owners may have a propane or oil system, but heat with wood as much as possible if they have a cheap local source or their own bush lot. Today wood heating includes wood stoves, fireplaces, pellet heating, wood furnaces and combination furnaces that use wood and oil or wood and propane. Pellet heating is widely used in Europe — often with pellets from Canada. The compressed wood pellets burn longer. In the end, homeowners should start by figuring out their comfort level and go from there when choosing a system, says Kramer.

How noisy is the system? For instance, if the system is howling, windy and noisy, it may alter your perception of comfort. You may be comfortable in terms of temperature or feeling.

Also in regards to efficiency, newer units will work better than older units. For instance, does the heating element require electricity or hot water? There may also be a building management system you need to be aware of. Something else to ask is how often you need to plan on cleaning the filters to keep the unit operating at peak efficiency. Do you feel a ductless heat pump could be a good fit for you and your residential or commercial property?

Speak with a knowledgeable professional today to learn more about your options and to ask any questions that you may have. Call The Heat Pump Store at or contact us through our online form. Skip to content.