Choosing Between AHU and FCU: Key Considerations in HVAC System Design

When designing the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system for either a new space or upgrading an existing one, several factors need consideration. Among these factors is the decision between utilizing an Air Handling Unit (AHU) or a Fan Coil Unit (FCU) for air conditioning and distribution.

What is an Air Handling Unit (AHU)?

An Air Handling Unit (AHU)serves as a compact, centralized air conditioner or heater commonly situated in external locations like rooftops. It can function independently or in conjunction with other HVAC components such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or air filtration systems. AHUs are prevalent in various heating systems catering to large buildings such as commercial and industrial facilities. Comprising several elements like fans, filters, dampers, and heating/cooling coils, AHUs ensure air cleanliness, indoor climate control, and airflow regulation. These units often arrive disassembled, necessitating professional assembly to create a cohesive, larger unit suitable for industries with high air volume requirements like food production, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Types of Air Handling Units include:

 - Draw-through Air Handling Unit: Air is drawn through fans, filters, and coils before distribution via ductwork, creating negative pressure within the unit.

- Blow-through Air Handling Unit: Air is pushed through fans, filters, and coils before circulation through ductwork, resulting in positive pressure within the unit.

What is a Fan Coil Unit (FCU)?

A Fan Coil Unit (FCU) is a robust unit designed to circulate warm or cool air within individual spaces. Typically installed within or near the area it serves, an FCU boasts a straightforward design capable of independent operation for air distribution within a room. While FCUs can work alongside AHUs, they can distribute large air volumes with or without ductwork. Unlike AHUs, FCUs solely operate with internal air, making them suitable for heating or cooling small areas such as small businesses or private gaming rooms.

 FCUs consist of components like fans, coils, and filters collaborating to regulate and distribute air throughout a room. Unlike AHUs, FCUs are delivered as complete units, facilitating portability during transport and simplified installation

Types of Fan Coil Units include:

 - Draw-through Fan Coil Unit: Air is drawn through the coil and filter before being distributed into the room, making filter replacement and coil maintenance easier.

- Blow-through Fan Coil Unit: Air is pushed through the coil and filter before entering the room, limiting access for filter and coil maintenance.

AHU vs FCU: Which One Should I Select for HVAC?

Your selection should be primarily centered on your specific needs. For example, if you need an energy-efficient option that can deliver uniform temperature across various rooms in a building, AHU is the better choice. On the other hand, if you need an option that can deliver different temperatures to each room in the building, the FCU is the better choice.

Furthermore, if you want a less-expensive option with simple structural design, FCU is the better choice. But if you want an option with the capacity to handle larger volumes of air, the AHU is the better choice.

For professional insights on selecting the best HVAC system for your requirements, you can reach out to Flamingo, a renowned manufacturer of air-to-water heat pumps, fan coils, and water tanks.