The difference between a fan coil and an air conditioner

It is important to note that the chiller-fan system, also known as a “chiller-fan coil”, is distinct from air conditioning systems. In a chiller-fan coil system, the working fluid remains in a liquid state, unlike in air conditioning systems where the state of aggregation changes from gas to liquid and back again. This difference is a purposeful result and separates these systems.

Air conditioners are characterised by their use of refrigerant as a key element. Thus, the two systems differ in a fundamental design element. In a chiller-fan coil system, ice water or antifreeze water solutions such as ethylene glycol are used as refrigerant, while in a VRF air conditioning system, Freon is used exclusively.

The variety of these units is similar to that of air conditioners and includes wall-mounted, cassette, ducted, ceiling-mounted and other variants. The fan coil cooler is a versatile system that provides a comfortable indoor temperature all year round, regardless of the season. This system allows air cooling in summer and air heating in winter. Its principle of operation is similar to that of a water heating system, using a universal unit (chiller) to cool and heat the liquid.