5 Key Takeaways From Fan Coils 101
South Florida Only
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South Florida Only -
At Stan Weaver & Co., we know that the right fan coil selection can make all the difference in comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance. Below are five takeaways to help guide your next South Florida project.
1. Fan Coils and Blower Coils: Similar, But Not the Same
At first glance, fan coils and blower coils share the same core components:
A motor-blower assembly
Water coils (chilled and/or hot water)
A return air filter
The real difference comes down to configuration. Fan coils typically use a blow-through design, while blower coils rely on a draw-through design. That distinction has a big impact on airflow and performance, so knowing the application requirements is key when choosing between the two.
2. Location, Location, Location
Where equipment is installed matters as much as the equipment itself. Ask yourself:
Will the unit be concealed or visible to occupants? (If visible, a painted cabinet may be needed.)
What static pressures will the fan face? (Fan coils are ideal for low- to medium-pressure systems; blower coils handle high pressure.)
What are the sound requirements for the space?
How much physical space is available for installation?
Price offers options like the Horizontal Low-Profile Fan Coil with a painted exterior for exposed applications—ideal when aesthetics matter as much as performance.
Price’s Horizontal Low-Profile Fan Coil (top) is available with an 18-gauge painted exterior (bottom) that can be used in exposed applications
Answering these questions is crucial for selecting the best fan coil model for your project.
3. ECMs Hit the Sweet Spot
Direct-drive electronically commutated motors (ECMs) are now the industry standard—and for good reason. When units are sized so design-day airflow lands between 50% and 85% of the fan’s maximum, you get the perfect balance of:
Reduced sound levels
Extra flexibility for turndown and system sequencing
Longer-lasting performance
That’s the sweet spot engineers should aim for.
4. Clearing Up Filter Myths
Not all filter talk is fact. A common misconception is that thicker filters equal better filtration. In reality, a 1" MERV 8 filter has the same rating as a 2" MERV 8 filter.
The real benefit of thicker filters? More surface area, which reduces pressure drop and helps maintain airflow performance.
5. Fresh Air Inlets: Smarter by Design
Adding fresh air inlets (FAIs) to fan and blower coils can simplify ceiling layouts, reduce ductwork, and improve comfort. Each FAI comes with a built-in damper and airflow sensor—essentially acting as a mini VAV box within the unit.
The result? A single-zone system that separates ventilation from thermal loads, delivering better control and comfort for occupants.
The Bottom Line
Fan coils may look straightforward, but their applications are anything but one-size-fits-all. From sound-sensitive spaces to high-pressure systems, every detail matters.
The Stan Weaver team is here to help you navigate the nuances and specify the best solution for your project. Have questions? Reach out to our team—we’ll make sure you have the right product for the right application.
