Fan Coil Replacement: Your Guide to Comfort & Savings

Ok, let’s discuss Fan Coil Replacement. If you are here, you are more than likely tired of that antiquated unit in your home. Perhaps it’s hissing and whirring in weird ways, or your utility bills are off the charts, or you can’t seem to get comfortable. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. This is a source of frustration for many homeowners. But imagine there was a way to reset your home’s comfort and efficiency, without the endless repair bills? It’s not a magic act; it’s a Fan Coil Replacement. And all this by the time you’ve finished, you’ll understand why it’s likely your next smart move.

Getting To Know Your FCU (Fan Coil Unit)

Before I take the plunge, let’s clarify what it is we’re talking about. So, what in the world is this “fan coil unit” we keep referring to?

In air conditioning and heating, a fan coil unit (FCU) is a device consisting of a heat exchanger and a fan that blows air. It can both cool or heat a room. Call it a personal climate control system for your living quarters. It is another system with an indoor coil, a fan and an outdoor condensing unit. The fan blows air through that indoor coil, and refrigerant in that coil does its work: either cooling the air inside (if you’re using the system for air conditioning) or heating it up (if the system is operating in heating mode to bring the room to the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat). From there, this conditioned air is circulated to keep you comfortable. You’ll commonly find these units in commercial buildings, offices and more than a few homes. They are available in the vertical (VFCs) and the horizontal (HFCs), for more small spots and also for larger areas.

Now, DO NOT mistake this with an Air Handling Unit (AHU). Here’s the basic breakdown: Fan coil units function like solo players, blowers that circulate existing air in a room, but can also be part of a larger HVAC system. An AHU, meanwhile, is connected to a larger HVAC system that cools and distributes the air through ducts in your entire house. And for those of you asking that frequently-asked question: yes, fan coil units do indeed use refrigerants in order to perform their job of heating or cooling the air. Like any system that uses refrigerants, It’s important to maintain your HVAC units to prevent leaks and protect the environment.

What Is Fan Coil Replacement?

Now, let’s get to the point. Fan Coil Replacement isn’t a band-aid solution – it’s a complete renovation. We’re talkin’ about “Take it all out; lock, stock and barrel and replace with brand spankin’ new.” This process starts with removing the old cabinet interior insulation, the worn-out coil, the tired actuator, that loud motor, the wobbly blower housing assembly, the rusty drain pan, and all the old electronics. Every bit of it is stripped out and replaced with spanking new, sturdy plumbing and plumbing material. It’s effectively giving your home a new lung — for heating and cooling.

Items such as the age of your unit, the condition it’s in and how efficiently your entire HVAC system is operating all play a significant role in determining whether it’s time to replace it or whether a refurbishment may be beneficial.

Should You Replace Your Fan Coil? Key Signs to Watch For

How do you know when it’s time to actually pull the trigger and replace your fan coil? If your unit is showing some of the following signs, it’s probably crying out for an upgrade:

• The Age Factor: This one’s a no-brainer. Fan coil units are sturdy, but they’re not immortal. They usually have a good 20 to 25 years in them. Though some may still begin to wear out at the 10 to 15-year range, even with upkeep. If your unit predates most of your clothes, you might want to think about changing things up.
• High Energy Bills: You know the experience of opening an electricity bill and your mouth drops? A decrepit fan coil unit could be the silent killer of all those unexpectedly high energy use figures. It is forced to work more, to consume more, and it is costing you a fortune.
• The problem: Frequent annoying repairs“If you feel like you need to call your HVAC guy by his first name, your unit is nickeling and diming you to death,” At some point, the downside of all those fixes is greater than the upside. It is like patching a badly leaky boat; you need another one.
• Poor Performance & Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms freezing and others insufferable? Is your system working to maintain/achieve the desired temperature on the thermostat? Or perhaps the air flow feels feeble and sporadic? All these are clues that your fan coil is not stepping up to the plate.
• The Noise Complaints: If your house sounds like you’re living in a haunted house thanks to the rattle, buzz or hum of your fan coil, that should be set off some alarms. More commonly, it is an indicator that the motor or blower is shot.
• Health & Safety you’re right, this is kind of a big deal, and if we’re being honest; a little scary. Dated fan coil units, especially those that have not had proper maintenance can cause headaches down the line. We’re discussing leaks, as in the ones that lead to water damage, rusted drain pans and, yes, even flooding. Even worse, they can become mould and pathogen nests raining destruction down on your indoor air quality, causing bad odours, and possibly even making you and your family sick. We by no means would like to breathe unhealthy air or sell our condo in flooded wreckage.

If any of these strikes a nerve, your fan coil is probably seeing its final days, and you should consider a new beginning.

Everything You Need To Know: How Much Is A Fan Coil Retrofit?

So, you want to take the plunge. Smart move. Now it’s time to go over the process of a fan coil retrofit project so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises here.

Pre-installation: Get Prepped

Consider it an early grooming for success. With a bit of prep, you’re golden:

• Book the Service Elevator: I cannot emphasize this one enough, particularly if you’re in a condominium. Book that service elevator for the day of the installation. Your tech men will be installing and uninstalling gear, and you can’t afford delays.
• Clear the Space: You’ll need to clear an open space of at least 6 feet (or 2 metres) around your fan coil unit. Technicians require room for their tools, components and equipment. Allowing them plenty of space also makes the entire process of of delivering, removing, and installing the new appliance much easier.
• Save Your Space: Keep your drywall and flooring looking sharp, while protecting your space from dust and debris. Workers will protect these areas with plastic and floor covers to avoid any harm while they are being replaced.
• Hands-Off for the Pros That one is key. Fan coil changeout is a straightforward, safe process that can be followed step-by-step. It’s usually best to leave the technicians alone until they’ve finished their job. They should concentrate, they have a job to do.

After Copula Installation: The New Horizon

Here’s what you can look forward to once you have done the heavy lifting:

• Documentation and Warranties: All of your paperwork and documentation and literature will be included with your new equipment, from the manufacturer. And the management team has to register your warranty on the manufacturer’s site, and you’ll get an email confirmation to prove it.
• Thermostat Walkthrough: Technicians don’t just walk out the door. They will show you how to use your new thermostat, and they will fine tune the temperature and the airflow before they go.
• That “New Unit” Smell: Expect there to be a little bit of a plastic smell when you fire up your new system for the first time. It’s perfectly natural and usually disappears rapidly after the air has cycled a few times.
• New Filters: All of our brand new fan coils come with one brand new pleated filter. If you’re a filter fanatic and in need of some extras, you can usually set it up so more filters are sent your way.
• Thermostat Placement: A small, but mighty tip here is to give your new thermostat some breathing room from hot things such as TVs or lamps. Heat from those can interfere with the thermostat’s ability to correctly register temperature, leading to bad readings.
• Unobstructed Access: Ensure that furniture is not currently blocking your access door on the panel. Low return airflow can lead to ventilation issues and can likewise disrupt the air circulating properly; so make sure the pathway is free.

The Upgrade: What a New Fan Coil Unit Offers

A fan coil replacement doesn’t just swap old out for new, it upgrades the whole way your home feels. Here’s a preview of the new parts and improvements you can expect:

You are getting overhauled. This includes removing and disposal, the evaporator coil, actuator, motor, blower housing, drain pan, and all electronics, and replacing with new parts and custom fabricating from sturdy plumbing material.

In particular, you’ll frequently find:

• New Safety Shut-off Valves: New supply and return 1/2″ safety shut-off valves will be provided. (One heads-up: take a look at your condo bylaws, because in some cases these valves are the corporation’s responsibility, not yours).
• High-Efficiency Motor: New, energy-saving motor with ECM Variable Speed Technology commonly used. This is the cheat code for the energy savings and way quieter noise levels.
• Digital Thermostat: Install a new 24V Suite Pro Digital Honeywell Thermostat in the same spot as your old one. This equates to accurate temperature control at your fingertips.
• Better Airflow & Air Circulation: Probably the most obvious immediate walk off benefits you see from their use are the vastly improved airflow and circulation of air throughout your condo.
• Future-Proofing Your Property This is a bit of a subtle — but very loud — flex. You can put your new installed fan coil system on your status certificate from your property management. This sets your unit apart from your neighbours for when you are ready to sell, it shows your home has been looked after and is updated.

And while we’re on the subject of flex, there are a number of Optional Upgrades available that really take your system to the next level:

Why Bother? The True Advantages of Fan Coil Replacement

You’re getting new parts, then. But what does it really do for you? Plenty. A fan coil replacement is an investment that yields returns in comfort, in money and in peace of mind.

• No More Enforced Repair Cost: This one is big. New fan coil units are normally supplied with a full 2+ years parts and labour warranty throughout the bank. No more nasty surprise, budget-busting service calls, that is.
• Greater Home Comfort and Efficiency – This isn’t just a working unit, it’s a better working unit. You will get great airflow, accurate temperature control and a noticeable difference in home comfort. Don’t want to have to constantly fiddle with settings for your new fan coils, actuators and digital thermostats.
• Lower energy bills: We mentioned this already as well, but it can’t be stated enough. New models are all energy effi cient with ECM motors to save energy. They cool and heat your home faster, so your boiler and chiller turn on and off less frequently, and that means less energy used and less cost to you.
• Cleaner Indoor Air: Leave the deplorable, stale air behind. With newer systems, especially when they are installed with non-porous anti-microbial closed cell insulation (prevents mold), your new unit could make a drastic change for the air you breathe. Improved air circulation is also beneficial.
• More Reliable: All you want in a system is something that just works right? A new one is far more efficient and reliable, dramatically reducing the number of annoying, frequent repairs. It’s a stable relationship.
• Longer Equipment Life: When we say replacement, we want to make sure you have another 20 years of solid use with that new fan coil. That’s peace of mind down the line.
• Better Flood Protection: This is a major one for condo owners. A new system with stainless steel drain pans, float switches, and braided drain lines will drastically reduce the amount of potential damage that you could happen to your home over the expensive summer months. It is your home’s own bodyguard.

Keeping Your New Unit in Top Shape: Maintenance Matters

Even high-performance cars need a little love to keep them running like new, and your newly installed fan coil unit is no different. Don’t skip this part!

Fan coils are mechanical systems, and electrical systems, and they need seasonable attention. In places such as Toronto and the GTA, those handling properties generally schedule maintenance between twice a year and annually for cleaning fan coil units. Your new system will need to be cleaned by the building’s official contractor at least once or twice a year, usually ideally before summer, and winter, hit.

Changing your filter at the beginning of each season is an easy proactive step you can do. This is not just for the sake of clean air — it’s essential for how your unit functions. And here’s the real kicker: If the management of your building fails to complete required maintenance, the fan coil manufacturer can actually deny warranty calls. So, is there something to be asked about an annual maintenance program to keep everything running well and in compliance?

Summary: So What Is The Cost of Replacing a Fan Coil?

Alright, let’s talk numbers. That’s the big question, right? How much is this going to cost you?

The price of a fan coil replacement is not one price point; there are a couple of variables that drive price. It typically consists of the price of the new unit and the cost of professional installation.

• Unit Cost New: (Range from $200 to $1500) A new fan coil unit would be between these prices. It all depends on brand and size of what you are looking for.
• Cost of installation: Professional install (which is what I highly advise to get the actual benefit of this insulation) costs $700 to $2700 always. This number can be different depending on typical market prices in your area.
• Added Costs: In addition to the unit and basic installation, you can spend extra here and there. Those could be things like how difficult the installation will be (it it’s a tough spot), any additional materials required or those optional upgrades we discussed a few minutes ago.

It really depends on the size and type of system’s fan coil unit, how complicated the installation is and where the unit is located in the home. For an exact quote that never leaves you guessing, your best bet is always to reach out to a local expert. They can evaluate what you need, and sell you the straight goods.

Payments & Deposits: For Your Convenience

So you have the quote and you’re ready to roll. How does payment work?

As a rule, companies will request a 50% deposit to give everyone skin in the game, and the rest (another 50%) will come when all work is done. It’s a pretty standard setup.

When it’s time to pay, you typically have a handful of options:

• Cheques
• Debit cards
• Credit cards (FYI, often a 3% fee for credit card payments)
• E-transfers
• Money orders
• And yep – plain old cash payments are usually an accepted method too.

For convenience, different companies provide online payment processing as well. Your account manager will send you an email receipt within 24 hours of payment receipt. If you are old school and like a paper invoice, say something the day of installation.

A Different View Fans out as Fan Coil Units are Refurbished

Now, on occasion, the full replacement isn’t the only play to protect against the scenario where the Bylaw doesn’t stick. If you’re on a tight budget or your equipment hasn’t quite reached “total disaster,” fan coil refurbishment might be a more cost-effective option. It’s about extending the life of what you already have instead of spending some serious cash on new.

What does the refurbishment entail? It’s not just a quick clean. Refurbishingmay involve deep cleaning, refurbishing operations, repair, or replacement parts or materials. It seeks to restore your current system to its peak condition.

Benefits of Refurbishment:

• Value: Sometimes less expensive than a complete roof replacement.
• Longer Equipment Life: It can add years to the life of your existing system.
• Better Air Quality: They can have antifungal coatings slapped on.
• Energy Savings: Programmable ECM motors enhance energy savings.
• Superior Performance: High performance coils can enhance heating and cooling effects.
• Thermostat: Programmable thermostats can do wonders for the way you heat and cool down your home.
• Potential Incentives: You could also get incentives from local energy providers.

So, why does a fan coil require refurbishment in the first instance? It could be any number of factors, such as: Component breakdown Corroded pipe System not ventilated properly Insulation failure Lack or failure of standard maintenance Running tenant(s) lifestyle And, the ever present culprit, mold.

Renovation can do the same, without the heavy expense or installing a new home to lessen the heating and cooling burden and improve comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency.”

Picking the Correct Parts: A Short Guide

Let’s just say you only want a certain part for your fan coil unit. Perhaps that’s a blower assembly, motor, relay, transformer, even a drain pan. So when you’re attempting to order replacement components, the right measurements are crucial to ensure that you can get the item you desire.

In order to ensure that you receive the appropriate fan coil replacement parts, you will typically have to furnish this critical information:

• Order Number
• Configuration Number
• Serial Number
• Model Number
• Part Number and quantity

When you have this information readily available, the entire process goes smoothly and you are able to prevent errors from cropping up and getting your unit fixed more quickly.

Fan Coil Replacement FAQ

Got more questions? Let’s deal with some popular ones.

Q1: How long do fan coil units last before needing replaced? A1: Fan coil units usually last 20-25 years. However, some may need replacing a bit sooner — perhaps at 10 to 15 years, especially if they haven’t been maintained regularly.

Q2: Will an upgrade of my fan coil unit save me money on my energy bills? A2: Absolutely. New, affordable high-efficiency models, especially the models with ECM  motor technology are engineered to use less power. This can save on your heating and cooling bills.

Q3: What parts are usually replaced on a fan coil replacement? A3: A complete swap entails taking out everything – all cabinet interior insulation, coil, actuator, motor, blower housing assembly, drain pan, and all electronics – and replacing it with high-quality components and sturdy plumbing.

Q4: Is the maintenance of brand new fan coil units very important? A4: Extremely important. Regular maintenance to any mechanical system is important to ensure a long life of fan coils. Failure of your building management to provide necessary maintenance might result in the manufacturer denying the warranty claims. Perform proactive filter replacements at the beginning of each season for clean air all year round and ensure the best air quality and performance.

Q5: Am I able to upgrade my thermostat when we change out fan coil? A5: Yes! And many installations can also be upgraded to a Smart Thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee) or a WIFI Thermostat that will allow you to control your unit remotely from your phone.

Q6：What are the acceptable payment modes for fan coil replacement? A6: There are many different ways to pay: Cheque, Debit, Credit card (with sometimes as much as a 3 percent surcharge), E-transfer, Money Order, and Cash. Online processing of payment is also usually possible.

Q7: How does a new fan coil unit add value to my we buy houses property? A7: Having bought a brand-new fan coil system, you can declare it on your status certificate in the name of your property building manager. This difference can help attract more buyers to your unit, indicating a well-cared for and updated residence.

So, there you have it. Fan Coil Replacement is more than just replacing the broken unit – it’s also about investing in a more comfortable, efficient and valuable home. Don’t allow an older unit to drain your wallet or diminish your comfort. It’s time to take control.