GLRACE is generally positioned as a manufacturer dedicated to providing high-quality, energy-efficient, and reliable HVAC products and solutions. They specialize in the research, development, production, and sales of chillers, fan coil units, and air-cooled modular units, which are widely used in various commercial and residential buildings.
GLRACE is a professional fan coil supplier in China, with experience in FCU. Here is a detailed breakdown of the main types of Fan Coil Units (FCUs), their differences, and key installation considerations, presented in a table format as you requested.
Fan Coil Units are primarily categorized by their mounting location and visibility. The four main types are:
- Horizontal Concealed (ceiling void)
- Cassette (ceiling-mounted, exposed)
- Vertical (floor-mounted, exposed)
- Horizontal Exposed (ceiling-mounted, exposed)
The following table outlines the key differences between them.
| Feature | Horizontal Concealed | Cassette (Ce.g. 4-Way) | Vertical (High/Low) | Horizontal Exposed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Fully concealed. Only grilles are visible. | Only the decorative panel is visible in the ceiling. | Entire unit is visible, typically against a wall. | Entire unit is visible, suspended from the ceiling. |
| Space Usage | Installed in ceiling void. Uses no floor/wall space. | Installed in ceiling void. Uses no floor/wall space. | Occupies floor or wall space within the room. | Suspended from ceiling; uses no floor space but intrudes into room. |
| Airflow Direction | Typically discharged through a linear grille. | 4-Way: Discharges air in four directions. 1-Way: Discharges in one direction. | High: Air intake high, discharge low. Low: Air intake low, discharge high. | Discharges air horizontally from the front. |
| Ideal Application | Hotels, offices, apartments – anywhere aesthetics are critical. | Open-plan areas: offices, retail stores, restaurants. | Buildings without ceiling voids: retrofits, apartments, server rooms. | Industrial, commercial, or retail spaces where aesthetics are less critical. |
| Aesthetics | Excellent. Provides a very clean, minimalist look. | Very Good. Modern, low-profile panel blends with ceilings. | Fair. Functional but visible appliance in the room. | Poor. Utilitarian and industrial appearance. |
| Maintenance Access | Access via ceiling tiles. Can be more inconvenient. | Very easy. The decorative panel drops down for full access. | Easiest. All components are directly accessible from the front. | Easy. Front panel is usually removable for access. |
| Noise Level in Room | Quietest. The ceiling void acts as a sound buffer. | Moderate. The unit is directly in the space but designed to be quiet. | Moderate to Noisy. Unit is directly in the occupied space. | Noisiest. Unit is directly exposed in the room. |
| Cost | Moderate unit cost, but installation (ductwork, grilles) can add cost. | Generally higher unit cost. | Lowest unit and installation cost. | Low to moderate unit cost. |
Installation Differences & Crucial Precautions
| Type | Installation Method | Key Precautions & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Concealed | Mounted on hanging rods or rails within a ceiling plenum/void. Connected to concealed ductwork for supply and return air grilles. | 1. Clearance: Ensure adequate space in the ceiling void for the unit, plus service access around it (e.g., 50-100mm sides, 300-500mm for fan/motor removal). 2. Condensate Drainage: MUST be installed with a proper fall (slope) and a P-trap to prevent overflow and leakage into the ceiling. A blocked drain is a major leak risk. 3. Access Panels: Install large enough access panels in the ceiling for filter changes, drain pan cleaning, and motor/fan removal. 4. Insulation: The unit and all cold ductwork/pipework in the void must be insulated to prevent condensation forming on external surfaces. 5. Grille Placement: Careful design of supply and return grille locations is essential to avoid short-circuiting (conditioned air immediately being sucked back into the return) and to ensure even air distribution. |
| Cassette | The unit is placed in the ceiling void with its weight supported by a metal frame. The core unit is secured from above. The decorative panel is then clipped in from below. | 1. Ceiling Strength: The ceiling must be strong enough to support the unit’s weight. A dedicated supporting frame is often required. 2. Clearance: Sufficient vertical depth in the plenum is critical. Check dimensions carefully. 3. Condensate Drainage: Same critical need for a trapped and sloped drain line as concealed units. 4. Alignment: The unit must be level for the decorative panel to sit correctly and for the drain pan to function properly. 5. Airflow Obstruction: Ensure no structural elements (beams, ducts) are directly above the unit that could restrict airflow from the top intake. |
| Vertical | Stands upright on the floor (free-standing) or is fixed to a wall (wall-mounted). Simply connected to nearby pipework and electrical point. | 1. Leveling: The unit must be perfectly level to ensure the condensate drain pan functions correctly and does not overflow. 2. Waterproofing: In free-standing models, a drain pan may be required under the entire unit as a secondary containment for leaks. 3. Airflow Clearance: Maintain required clearances from walls, curtains, or furniture as specified by the manufacturer to ensure proper air intake and discharge. 4. Condensate Drain: For units in cooling mode, a drain line must be run to a nearby drain or condensate pump, often across the floor or wall. |
| Horizontal Exposed | Suspended from the ceiling using heavy-duty rods or brackets. Often hung above false ceilings in industrial spaces or directly in rooms. | 1. Structural Support: The ceiling structure must be robust enough to handle the weight and vibration of the unit. Vibration isolators are often required. 2. Ductwork: May have short duct runs attached to direct air. These must be securely supported. 3. Drainage: Condensate drain must be run and trapped properly. As it’s exposed, leaks are immediately visible but still problematic. 4. Safety: Must be securely mounted high off the ground to avoid being a hazard. |
Universal Precautions for ALL Fan Coil Unit Types:
- Fresh Air: Remember, most FCUs only recirculate room air. A separate fresh air supply system (e.g., Dedicated Outdoor Air System – DOAS) is almost always required for ventilation and indoor air quality.
- Piping: All water piping connections must be pressure tested for leaks before concealing.
- Isolation Valves: Install isolation valves on the water connections to allow for maintenance without draining the whole system.
- Electrical: Must be installed by a qualified electrician according to local codes.