Why do Polar Air believe in water-based tech for fan coils?

At Polar Air, we are passionate about creating ideal indoor climates that not only elevate indoor air quality and climate control but also align with modern sustainability goals. Water-based solutions are at the heart of our approach, helping us deliver superior performance with lower environmental impact. By harnessing water’s unique properties, we can create solutions that are not only energy-efficient but also environmentally friendly, offering our customers the best of both worlds: ideal indoor climates and sustainability.

Our focus on hydronic system technologies, particularly in indoor terminals or fan coil units, stems from our belief in the long-term benefits of water-based systems over refrigerant-based (VRF) systems. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!

1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Water is a superior medium for transporting energy compared to VRF. It can carry significantly more thermal energy per unit volume than air, meaning that less energy is required to heat or cool the same space. This leads to reduced operational costs and less energy consumption overall. For homeowners and businesses using Polar Air’s fan coil systems, this translates into lower energy bills without compromising on comfort.

Polar Air fan coil systems are designed to minimize energy waste by using water to circulate thermal energy. According to Armstrong Fluid Technology, hydronic systems offered energy savings of 57% to 84% compared to VRF systems installed in the same building and addressing similar loads [1]. This is quite an impressive statistic, which means that water has a better ability to retain heat or coolness, which allows for quicker, more responsive climate control.

2. Easier Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, both systems generally have a useful life of around 10-15 years, with the hydronic FCU potentially lasting up to 20 years. However, the advantage of a water-based system becomes clear when it’s time to replace a VRF indoor unit. By then, refrigerant regulations often change, requiring the replacement of the entire system, including the outdoor unit and piping. In contrast, with a hydronic system, you can simply replace the faulty unit with a new one, effectively giving you a brand-new system without the need for extensive replacements.

The maintenance process for a VRF system involves regular checks on refrigerant levels, cleaning of filters, and inspection of electrical components. Any refrigerant leaks must be promptly addressed to prevent system inefficiency and environmental harm. On the other hand, maintaining water FCU includes checking water quality, ensuring proper flow rates, and inspecting heat exchangers for scaling or corrosion. The simplicity of replacing individual units in a water-based system not only saves time and money but also ensures that your system remains up-to-date with the latest technology and standards. So, while both systems require maintenance, the long-term benefits of a water-based system make it a more sustainable and cost-effective choice, especially for large-scale projects.

3. Simplified Installation

One key advantage of water-based fan coil systems is the ease of installation compared to VRF systems. VRF systems require specialized contractors who are certified to handle refrigerants and comply with the strict regulations surrounding their use. This can increase the complexity, cost, and time required for installation, especially for larger projects where finding certified professionals may be more challenging.

In contrast, water-based systems are more straightforward to install and do not require the same level of specialized expertise. General HVAC contractors can easily manage water-based installations, which reduces labor costs, speeds up project timelines, and offers more flexibility in choosing contractors. This makes water-based fan coil systems an ideal choice for large-scale projects, new builds, and buildings in remote areas where specialized VRF installers might not be readily available.

4. Longer System Lifespan and Reliability

The use of water as the energy source in fan coil systems also contributes to the longevity and reliability of the HVAC system. Water-based systems tend to have fewer moving parts compared to traditional forced-air systems, which can result in less wear and tear over time. In addition, water-based fan coils are less susceptible to corrosion and mechanical failure, extending the lifespan of the equipment and reducing maintenance costs.

For Polar Air customers, this means enjoying consistent climate control year after year with minimal disruption and fewer service calls.

5. Flexibility

Water-based fan coil systems also offer flexibility in terms of design and application. These systems can easily adapt to a wide range of indoor spaces, from residential homes to large commercial buildings, without compromising performance.

One key advantage of using water as the energy source for fan coil systems is the flexibility it offers in integrating different components from various suppliers and manufacturers. Water-based systems use open communication protocols, allowing seamless integration of different HVAC options. This means that system designers and engineers can mix and match components without being locked into a single brand or manufacturer, offering greater customization and scalability for each project.

In contrast, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are more restrictive, as they require specific matching components to work correctly. This reliance on proprietary parts can limit the availability of compatible products, especially for larger or more complex projects. It can also increase the cost and complexity of sourcing equipment.

6. Environmental Benefits

In a world increasingly focused on reducing carbon footprints, Polar Air’s water-based system is a significant step towards sustainability. Water-based systems have a much lower environmental impact compared to systems relying solely on refrigerants. For instance, refrigerants account for approximately 12% of annual energy use in homes and can contribute significantly to global warming if not handled properly [2]. Although refrigerants are improving in efficiency, they can still contribute to global warming if not handled properly. By using water as a thermal medium, Polar Air systems eliminate the need for refrigerants, thus lowering the overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, water is a naturally occurring and renewable resource. Its use in HVAC systems eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and pollutants that are common in other climate control technologies. For example, refrigerants are toxic and flammable and require strict regulations for their use, which are constantly changing. This changing nature doesn’t allow for flexibility with upgrading the climate control unit, as a refrigerant-based fan coil would need to change to meet the legislation continuously. The heavily legislated nature of refrigerants also limits their use for the future, particularly as we live in a world where sustainable and environmentally friendly practices are becoming the norm. Water-based fan coils do not have these restrictions or legislation to regulate their use due to being a naturally occurring and renewable energy source.

Conclusion: Polar Air advocates for using water as the energy source in fan coil units

Polar Air’s commitment to cutting-edge HVAC solutions prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and customer comfort is exemplified by our belief in water-based technologies. By leveraging water’s natural properties, we recognize that hydronic fan coils can significantly contribute to these goals, making them the ideal choice in a world where the global scale of HVAC demands efficient and sustainable systems.

Choosing Polar Air means choosing a system that works smarter, not harder, to create spaces where comfort and sustainability meet seamlessly – because with Polar Air, it’s always about creating your ideal indoor climate.