Replies

1. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | May 17, 2012 05:58am | #1

   Elio,
   Your question is confusing. First of all, this house will have "in-slab heating." That usually means that you'll have a boiler to make hot water, and PEX tubing to distribute your heat.

   A fan-coil unit is a type of air handler that distributes hot air by blowing air over a copper coil that circulates hot water. (A fan-coil unit can also distribute cold air by blowing air over a coil that circulates cold water or refrigerant.) Why do you need a fan-coil unit? Is it for an air-conditioner? Please describe the home's cooling system.

2. 
   user-1127593 | May 17, 2012 08:44am | #2

   You will need a fan coil to circulate the air and also use it for a/c

3. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | May 17, 2012 09:29am | #3

   Elio,
   1. An air handler can be used to circulate the air in a house, but if the house has hydronic heating, there is no need to do so during the winter.

   2. Neither an air handler nor a fan-coil unit will provide ventilation unless an outdoor fresh air duct is hooked up. If you go this route, be sure to include a Fan Cycler control and a motorized damper.

   3. Split-system air conditioners routinely include air handlers. If you want to select an efficient air handler, you should probably choose one with an ECM blower; for more information on this topic, see ECM Efficiency.

   Remember: if you want an efficient air-distribution system, every element of the system must be optimized. Inefficiencies are often due to bad duct system design and sloppy duct installation, so if you want an efficient distribution system, be sure that the ducts are properly designed and installed.

4. 
   user-1127593 | May 18, 2012 09:56am | #4

   Thanks Martin, I will check it out. Thanks for your advice.

   Elio

5. 
   user-626934 | May 22, 2012 07:26pm | #5

   Other things being equal...higher velocities = higher friction = more fan energy to overcome the friction = more noise = bad idea