What Is a Vertical Fan Coil?

Minimal Footprint, Maximum Comfort

Single-zone HVAC solutions come in many shapes and sizes, but space is always at a premium. Using hydronic distribution for heating and cooling is a great way to minimize a system’s footprint – and it’s a perfect fit for single-zone fan coils.

Vertical fan coil units are a simple and compact way to provide airflow to an occupied space. Named for the vertical path the air takes through the equipment, these units can provide the single-zone control with little to no required ductwork, as they operate in a wall- or floor-mounted application directly in the occupied space.

With their small footprint and ease of maintenance, vertical fan coils are often used in spaces such as hotel rooms and university dorms

Commercial buildings with repeated spaces are excellently suited for this type of equipment. You’ll often spot vertical fan coil units in small commercial office zones, healthcare clinics, long-term care facilities, and hotel and resort rooms, as well as in educational facilities such as classrooms and university dorms.

Easy, Breezy, Accessible

Routine fan coil maintenance is key to smooth system operation, so it is important that units remain accessible. Vertical fan coil units are typically packaged in a slim painted cabinet and are located in the occupied space along a wall or under a window. Integral access panels allow for internal unit maintenance such as cleaning the blower and changing filters. Water coil control valves can also be included within the unit casing, which is optimal for both initial unit installation and lifetime access.

Price’s Vertical Fan Coil is available with an 18-gauge painted-steel exterior cabinet (left) for exposed applications; inside, a high-efficiency EC motor offers modulating control (right)

What’s Inside the Box?

Vertical fan coils are equipped with hydronic coils for both heating and cooling, which can be tailored to meet the needs of the space. A single unit can provide up to 1,200 cfm of airflow and up to four tons of cooling.

High-efficiency electronically commutated (EC) motors allow the unit to operate smoothly and quietly and have the ability to remotely modulate fan speed to match the immediate needs of the space. And 2-inch-thick return air filters minimize filter pressure drop and extend the lifespan of each filter before it needs replacing (in comparison to more traditional 1-inch-thick filters).

For product specs, configurations and help with selections, reach out to our engineering team at airmovement@priceindustries.com.

Mason Kujanpaa is Senior Project Engineering Specialist for Price’s Fan Coils team. He is based out of Price’s headquarters in Winnipeg, MB. Click here to connect with him on LinkedIn.