An air-to-water fan coil unit (FCU) uses heated or chilled water to heat or cool a space. The water is typically supplied by an air source heat pump, boiler, or chiller. A fan then draws room air across a water coil and distributes the newly conditioned air into the space. Fan coils are available in a range of formats, including wall-mounted, floor-standing, ducted, and cassette units, allowing systems to be tailored to different building layouts and design requirements.
Heat Pump Comfort
Air-to-Water Fan Coil Units
Efficient heating. Optional cooling. Faster response times.
Designed specifically for modern air source heat pump systems, fan coil units deliver significantly higher outputs at low flow temperatures than traditional radiators while providing improved comfort, quicker warm-up times and the option of summer cooling.
Whether you're working on a new build, retrofit, apartment development or commercial project, fan coils can help maximise heat pump performance and create a more comfortable indoor environment.
Need help with a quote?
What Are Air-to-Water Fan Coil Units?
Air-to-water fan coil units are hydronic terminal units that deliver heating and cooling to individual rooms or zones using chilled or hot water circulated from a heat pump, chiller, or boiler.
More Heating, Less Energy
Fan coils deliver exceptional comfort without compromise. By actively circulating room air across an internal heat exchanger, they achieve higher heat outputs at lower water temperatures — reducing running costs and making them the ideal partner for modern air source heat pump systems
Multiple Installation Formats
Choose from ducted (slim profile for concealed installation), floor standing, wall-mounted or ceiling cassette (360° discharge) formats. Flexible water connections and valve options ensure seamless integration into any space.* *Subject to model specifications.
Heating and Cooling from One System
Many air-to-water fan coil units can provide both heating and cooling when paired with a suitable reversible heat pump. Warm water delivers heating in winter, while chilled water can provide cooling during summer months.
Perfect for Heat Pump Systems
Fan coils achieve higher outputs from lower water temperatures than traditional radiators, making them ideal partners for modern heat pump systems. Compatible with heat pumps, chillers, and boilers.
Any Space, Any Setting
Ideal for residential spaces including living rooms, open-plan areas, extensions, loft conversions, and apartments — as well as commercial settings such as offices, retail, hospitality, education, and healthcare.
Explore our full range of air-to-water fan coils and find the perfect fit for your installation.
Fan Coils vs Traditional Radiators
Modern air source heat pumps perform best at lower flow temperatures. Fan coils units deliver faster response times, optional cooling and higher outputs from more compact units compared to traditional radiators.
1
Faster Heat-Up Times
Unlike traditional radiators that rely primarily on natural convection, fan coils actively move air across a heat exchanger to distribute heat quickly throughout the room. This helps spaces reach the desired temperature faster while maintaining excellent comfort levels.
2
Lower Flow Temperature Performance
Fan coils are specifically designed to work efficiently with modern heat pumps operating at lower water temperatures. This allows installers to maximise system performance without relying on oversized emitters.
3
Heating & Cooling from One Unit
When paired with a suitable reversible heat pump, fan coils can provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer. Traditional radiators can only provide heating, making fan coils a more versatile year-round solution.
4
Compact Design, Higher Output
Because air is actively circulated through the heat exchanger, fan coils can deliver impressive outputs from compact units. This can reduce wall space requirements and provide greater flexibility when planning room layouts.
Panasonic Aquarea
Why Choose a Fan Coil Unit?
Fan coil units are the perfect complement to air source heat pumps, delivering efficient heating and cooling with flexible installation options and superior control.
Flexible Installation
Choose from wall-mounted, floor standing, or ducted options to suit your space and aesthetic. Installation is straightforward with no F-Gas certification required.
Superior Efficiency
DC Inverter technology continuously adjusts output to match demand, delivering A-rated energy efficiency and lower running costs compared to traditional systems.
Year-Round Comfort
Efficient heating down to -15°C and cooling throughout summer. A complete heating and cooling solution for UK climates.
Quiet Operation
Whisper-quiet performance with sound levels as low as 26dB(A), ensuring comfort without disruption in any room.
Integrated Control
Manage your comfort via wired thermostat, wireless control, or the Panasonic Aquarea Home App. Control temperature, schedules, and performance from anywhere.
Proven Reliability
Panasonic Aquarea fan coils are built to last with robust engineering and comprehensive manufacturer warranty support.
Frequently asked questions
What is an air-to-water fan coil unit?
How is an air-to-water fan coil different from an air-to-air system?
Air-to-water fan coil systems use heated or chilled water, rather than refrigerant, to provide heating and cooling, allowing a single central heat pump to serve multiple indoor units without running refrigerant pipework throughout the building. Installers do not need to hold an F-Gas certification to install or maintain the fan coil units. This approach makes zoning simpler, reduces refrigerant within occupied spaces, and is particularly advantageous in larger buildings or where flammable refrigerants are a consideration.
Are air-to-water fan coils suitable for heat pump systems?
Yes. Heat pump compatible fan coils are well suited to low-temperature operation, particularly when sized correctly. Many current fan coil units are designed to deliver effective heating with flow temperatures as low as 35–45°C.
Can air-to-water fan coils provide both heating and cooling?
Yes. When connected to a reversible heat pump or chiller, air-to-water fan coils can provide year-round heating and cooling. Fan coil systems can be configured as 2-pipe or 4-pipe, with 4-pipe systems offering faster changeover and, in some cases, simultaneous heating and cooling, depending on the overall system design and heat pump capacity.
What building types are air-to-water fan coils commonly used in?
Air-to-water fan coils are widely used in offices and commercial buildings, hotels and apartments, schools and universities, healthcare environments, and retrofit projects. They are popular in both new build and refurbishment projects due to their versatility and ability to deliver effective heating and cooling more efficiently than traditional radiators and underfloor heating.
How efficient are air-to-water fan coil systems?
System efficiency depends on the heat source, controls used, and operating temperatures. When paired with high-efficiency heat pumps and weather compensation, air-to-water fan coil systems can achieve excellent seasonal efficiencies and reduced carbon emissions.
Are air-to-water fan coils noisy?
Modern fan coil units are built to run very quietly, using efficient fans that can slow down when full power isn't needed, and sound-reducing materials inside the unit. Correct selection, sizing, and commissioning are essential to meet typical UK noise criteria for offices, hotels, and residential spaces.
Do air-to-water fan coils require regular maintenance?
Yes. Routine maintenance typically includes filter cleaning or replacement, coil inspection and cleaning, condensate tray and drain checks, and fan and control inspection. Maintenance requirements are generally straightforward and familiar to HVAC service engineers.
What are the main advantages of fan coils?
The key benefits include compatibility with low-carbon heat pumps, reduced refrigerant in occupied spaces, fast heating and cooling response, lower running costs compared to radiators, flexible zoning and control, and suitability for both new build and retrofit projects.
Expert Support
Need Help Specifying?
Not sure which fan coil unit is right for your installation? Our team of heating and cooling specialists are here to help. Contact us for expert advice on sizing, installation options, and system design.
