As energy costs continue to escalate and environmental concerns intensify, retrofitting heating systems in residential applications has become essential for achieving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Beyond these benefits, retrofitting can also enhance indoor air quality and comfort, prolong the lifespan of heating systems, and boost property value.
Polar Air fan coil units (FCUs) offer a versatile and energy-efficient solution for residential retrofits, providing both heating and cooling in a single unit.
This article explores how Polar Air FCUs can enhance residential heating systems, addressing the challenges of retrofitting and highlighting the benefits of combining heat pumps with Polar Air FCUs, and why you should choose Polar Air for your home.
Types of Heating: North America & Europe
- Central Gas Heating: Widely used in both Europe and North America, this system uses a central boiler to heat water or air, distributed through radiators or ventilation systems. Heat pumps are increasingly replacing boilers due to their energy efficiency, especially in moderate climates.
- Floor Heating (Underfloor Heating): Involves heating elements or water pipes beneath the floor for even heat distribution. Can lead to higher energy consumption and slower heating due to the thermal mass of the floor and the passive convection heat transfer.
- Forced Air Systems: Common in North America, using a furnace with a blower fan to distribute heated air through ducts. Can be fueled by natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or electricity.
- Electric Heating: Includes resistance heaters and radiant panel systems. Less energy-efficient but common in regions with abundant electricity and mild climates.
- Ductless Heat Pumps: Also known as a ductless mini-split system that heats and cools your home without the need for ductwork. It typically consists of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected by refrigerant lines, power cables, and drain lines.
- Wood and Pellet Stoves: Popular in rural or mountainous areas, using renewable energy sources.
Assessing the need for Retrofitting
- 72% of U.S. households reported having home heating systems that are 5 years or older, with about 29% of these systems being over 15 years old. [1]
- 8.1 million residential heating systems are installed in North America every year. And 140,000 of these are hydronic (water based).
- Similarly, in Europe, 35% of buildings are over 50 years old, and many of these rely on outdated heating systems. [2]
High Energy Bills
Increased bills without higher usage suggest the system is losing efficiency. Plus older systems tend to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, using more energy.
Poor Air Quality
Inefficient systems, particularly ducted ones, can worsen indoor air quality by accumulating dust and allergens. This buildup isn't filtered out and requires costly professional cleaning.
Frequent Breakdown
Regular repairs can be a sign that the heating system is nearing the end of its life. Frequent breakdowns are not only inconvenient but can also be costly.
Age of the System
Most heating systems have a lifespan of around 15 years. Systems older than this should be considered for retrofit or replacement.
Constant Adjustments
Frequent adjustments indicate the system isn't maintaining a consistent temperature.
Strange Noises
Unusual sounds like banging or rattling suggest mechanical issues or wearing out or failing of older components.
Challenges of Retrofitting Traditional Heating Systems
Europe
Space Constraints: Many European residential buildings, especially older ones, have limited space for HVAC systems. This can make it challenging to install new units without significant modifications.
Regulatory Compliance: Europe has stringent energy efficiency and environmental regulations. Ensuring that retrofitted systems comply with these regulations can be complex and costly.
Hydronic Systems: European fan coil units are often part of hydronic heating systems. Retrofitting these systems requires careful integration with existing boilers and piping.
Noise and Vibration: Older buildings may have less sound insulation, making noise and vibration from fan coil units more noticeable. Addressing these issues during retrofits is crucial.
Unanticipated Problems: During installation, unexpected issues such as structural limitations or outdated building plans can arise, potentially increasing costs and project timelines.
North America
Space Constraints: Similar to Europe, fan coil units in North America are often built into walls or ceilings, making them difficult to replace without significant disruption.
Regulatory Compliance: In North America, building codes and standards vary widely by region. Ensuring that retrofitted systems meet current building codes and standards is essential to avoid legal and safety issues.
Aging Infrastructure: Many fan coil units in North America are well past their useful life, leading to issues like poor heating and cooling performance, high noise levels, and excessive energy use.
Indoor Air Quality: Older fan coil units can contribute to poor indoor air quality due to mold growth, dust accumulation, and inadequate ventilation.
Water Damage: Leaks and condensation from aging fan coil units can cause water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings.
Unanticipated Problems: During installation, unexpected issues such as structural limitations or outdated building plans can arise, potentially increasing costs and project timelines.
How Residential Retrofit Benefits from Polar Air Fan Coils
- Dual Functionality: Providing both heating or cooling in a single unit is a significant advantage. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate systems, simplifying installation and reducing overall costs.
- Energy Efficiency: Equipped with high-efficiency motors and variable-speed drives, fan coils reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
- Compact Design: Fan coils are compact and versatile, making them ideal for retrofits in homes with limited space. They can be installed in various locations, including walls, ceilings, and floors, providing customized heating and cooling solutions without taking up much space.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Fan coils can enhance indoor air quality by incorporating advanced filtration systems that remove pollutants and allergens from the air. This is particularly beneficial for households with individuals who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.
- Quiet Operation: Modern fan coil units are designed to operate quietly, making them suitable for noise-sensitive areas such as bedrooms and living rooms. This ensures a comfortable and peaceful indoor environment.
- Ease of Maintenance: Fan coils are relatively easy to maintain, with many parts being easily accessible for cleaning or replacement. Regular maintenance can improve the longevity and efficiency of the system, reducing long-term costs.
- Flexibility and Zoning: Fan coils offer individual temperature control for each room or zone, allowing homeowners to customize their heating and cooling preferences. This flexibility can lead to increased comfort and energy savings, as only the occupied areas need to be conditioned.
- Auto-Dynamic Balancing System: Integrated within the I-Type Control, this intelligent function monitors inlet and outlet water temperatures, as well as air temperature. It automatically adjusts the control valve to maintain a constant ΔT (temperature difference), compensating for any pressure fluctuations in the system. This is simpler and more cost-effective than traditional systems that require a Pressure Independent Control Valve (PICV). Each fan coil with ADBS & I-Type Control operates as a standalone controller, automatically balancing the hydronic system.
Comparison: FCUs to Other Systems
| Feature/Aspect | Fan Coil Units (FCUs) | Central Gas Heating | Underfloor Heating | Forced Air Systems | Electric Heating Radiators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & Cooling | Heating & cooling | Heating only | Heating only | Heating & cooling | Heating only |
| Energy Efficiency | High (with variable-speed drives) | Moderate to high (depends on boiler) | Moderate to high (depends on system) | Moderate to high (depends on furnace) | Moderate to low (depends on technology or functions within unit) |
| Installation Complexity | Moderate | Moderate to high | High (requires floor modifications) | Moderate to high (requires ductwork) | Low |
| Space Requirements | Compact (wall, ceiling, or floor) | Requires space for boiler and radiators | Requires space under the floor | Requires space for furnace and ducts | Minimal (wall-mounted or portable) |
| Initial Cost | Moderate | Moderate to high | High | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Maintenance | Easy (accessible parts) | Moderate (boiler and radiators) | High (requires floor modifications) | Moderate to high (duct cleaning) | Low |
| Indoor Air Quality | High (with advanced filtration and humidity control) | Moderate | Moderate (natural convection good for relative humidity and comfort) | Moderate to low (depends on filters) | Moderate to low (no capability to filter air, but natural convection good for relative humidity and comfort) |
| Noise Level | Low (quiet operation) | Low to moderate | Low | Moderate to high (blower fan noise) | Low |
| Zoning Capability | High (individual room control) | Low to moderate (depends on thermostat/smart home capability) | High | Low to moderate | High (individual units have own programming) |
| Heating Speed | Fast | Moderate (depends on boiler) | Slow (due to thermal mass) | Fast | Fast |
| Environmental Impact | Low (energy-efficient and when using hydronic instead of VRF) | Moderate to high (depends on fuel) | Low to moderate (depends on fuel) | Moderate to high (depends on fuel) | Moderate to high (depends on fuel) |
Combining Heat Pumps & Fan Coils
Combining an air-to-water heat pump with a fan coil unit (FCU) is a smart way to boost the energy efficiency and comfort of your home’s heating and cooling systems.
When these two systems are combined, the heat pump handles the heating or cooling, while the fan coil unit ensures the conditioned air is distributed efficiently and evenly. This combination is crucial for climate change, as areas that traditionally only needed heating are now experiencing higher temperatures, like the northern European countries. The fan coil and air-to-water heat pump solution in residential applications outperforms other water-based comfort solutions, such as radiant floor heating.
This synergy creates a highly efficient HVAC system that can significantly enhance indoor comfort, particularly well-suited for retrofitting in residential applications.
Benefits
- Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it, using less energy. When paired with a fan coil unit, the system distributes air more effectively, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
- Versatility: Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, while fan coil units ensure even air distribution, resulting in consistent indoor temperatures and improved comfort.
- Ease of Installation: Fan coil units are typically compact and can be easily integrated into existing spaces without significant modifications, making the retrofitting process less invasive and more cost-effective. For example, unlike radiant floor heating, fan coils do not require breaking the floor to lay out piping making installation quicker and less destructive.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The combination of a heat pump and a fan coil unit can be more economical in the long run. The energy savings from the improved efficiency of the system can offset the initial investment, and these systems require less maintenance, adding to their cost-effectiveness.
Powering with Renewable Energy
Using solar panels to power the cooling/heating source, such as the air-to-water heat pump increases efficiency in comfort systems, especially in residential applications where the power required is not too high. Over the last century, CO2 particles in the air have increased by around 40%, capturing heat and causing higher temperatures. By using renewable energy for hot or chilled water, fan coils in residential applications help reduce fossil fuel consumption for heating.
Integrating solar panels with air-to-water heat pumps not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to significant cost savings over time.
By harnessing the power of the sun, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the grid, leading to lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Moreover, the use of renewable energy sources like solar power helps mitigate the impact of fluctuating fossil fuel prices and promotes energy independence.
This sustainable approach aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner, greener living environments. Additionally, advancements in solar technology and heat pump efficiency continue to make these systems more accessible and affordable, encouraging wider adoption in residential settings
Recommended Polar Air Fan Coils for Residential Retrofit Heating
The Polar Air PHW Highwall hydronic fan coil is an excellent choice for residential retrofit projects, offering both high-performance heating and a sleek, modern design. Available in various sizes and configurations, including 2-pipe and 4-pipe models, the PHW Highwall seamlessly integrates into any space, providing energy-efficient heating solutions. The unit’s easy installation and low maintenance make it ideal for homes, student accommodations, and other residential settings.
Key Benefits:
- High heating capacity:Â Up to 6.6 kW, ideal for residential applications.
- Improved latent cooling:Â Enhanced dehumidification and temperature distribution.
- Modern sleek design:Â Durable ABS front panel with optimal airflow and discreet LED display.
- 4-pipe configuration:Â Year-round heating and cooling for temperate climates.
- Integrated valves:Â Pre-installed for cost savings and easier maintenance.
- Quiet operation:Â Sound pressure level at 25-56 dB(A), similar to a library or serene natural area.
The Polar Air PFWB(C) Console/Universal hydronic fan coil is perfect for residential retrofit heating projects. It offers flexible installation options, including vertical, horizontal, wall-mounted, or ceiling installations. Available in cased and uncased models, (2-pipe and 4-pipe models), it operates quietly and is a reliable and adaptable choice for enhancing heating in residential retrofit projects.
Key Benefits:
- Pre-installed valves:Â Save time and labor costs with integrated valves that provide a more discrete appearance.
- Multiple installation options:Â Horizontal (suspended below or concealed in the ceiling) or vertical (floor or wall-mounted) installation for versatility in different spaces.
- Decorative casing:Â The PFWBC cased model features rounded corners, optional supporting feet, and an integrated wall pad for easy control and display.
- Interchangeable coil:Â The coil can be swapped between left and right-side connections on-site, ensuring flexibility for different installation scenarios.
- Customized air plenum: The supply air outlet can be customized with an airflow plenum to redirect airflow at a 90º angle, enhancing air distribution.
There is also a slim version available which is PFWSL(U). Contact us for further information.
Choosing Polar Air fan coil units for residential retrofits offers homeowners a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solution for their heating and cooling needs. With dual functionality (heating and cooling), energy efficiency, compact design, and improved indoor air quality, Polar Air FCUs stand out as an excellent choice for modernizing outdated heating systems.
As heating systems seek upgrades in response to rising energy costs and environmental concerns, Polar Air fan coil units provide a reliable and innovative option. Whether dealing with space constraints, regulatory compliance, or the need for improved indoor air quality, Polar Air FCUs address these challenges effectively. By opting for Polar Air, you can enjoy the benefits of a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system that enhances property value and sustainability.
