When designing a heating system for a building, there is often a need to integrate cooling solutions. In addition to heat exchangers, cooling solutions such as fan-coil units also play a central role in the air conditioning of a building. The combination of these systems provides both comfort heating and efficient cooling within a single system.

When designing a cooling system, it is essential to accurately calculate the cooling demand of the room. The thermal load of a building is influenced by a number of factors, such as the window area, the number of hours of daylight, the degree of insulation and the use of the building. A well-designed cooling system will provide a good climate all year round, especially in summer.

The design of heat transmitters starts with an accurate calculation of the heat demand of the room. This depends on the size of the room, the quality of the insulation, the number and location of windows and the orientation of the building. Choosing the right heat emitters is essential to ensure that the heating system is energy efficient and effective.

Modern building services engineering increasingly uses systems that can provide both heating and cooling. Fan-coil units are the ideal solution for both needs, as they can be used not only for heating but also for cooling.

Energy efficiency is a key consideration in the design of cooling systems. Well-insulated buildings require lower heating and cooling capacity, which reduces energy consumption. Passive cooling solutions such as shading and natural ventilation should also be considered to minimise cooling demand.

Fan-coil units are becoming increasingly common in modern building services because of their versatility for both heating and cooling. Fan-coil systems combine ventilation and heat dissipation and are efficient in both residential and industrial applications.

• Dual function: fan-coil systems can be used for both heating and cooling, providing all-season comfort with a single system.
• Compact design: they are relatively small, easy to install in rooms and take up little space.
• Zone control: fan-coil systems make it easy to set up different zones in the building, which can be individually controlled to adapt the cooling and heating to the needs of the room.
• Rapid temperature change: fan coil units can produce temperature changes faster than, for example, underfloor heating.

• Noise level: the built-in fan of fan-coil units can be noisier than other heat dissipation systems, which can reduce comfort.
• Regular maintenance: cleaning fans and filters is essential for efficient operation, so regular maintenance is important.

Radiators are primarily used for heating and are not suitable for cooling. If radiators are used, a separate cooling system (such as an air conditioner or fan-coil) is required for summer cooling.

Underfloor heating systems can also be used for cooling in some cases, in the form of underfloor cooling. Although this can be effective, it can affect comfort as excessive cooling of the floor can become uncomfortable and heat dissipation is slower than with fan-coil.

As with wall heating, walls can also provide cooling, but the cooling capacity is limited and cooling of the room may be slower than with fan-assisted systems. However, wall cooling can be beneficial in rooms where noise reduction is an important consideration.

Ceiling heating and cooling is an excellent way to cool large spaces, as the cold air descends naturally throughout the room. Ceiling cooling is aesthetically pleasing as it does not take up space on the walls, but it should be noted that it is difficult to meet rapid cooling needs.

The design and selection of heat exchangers is adapted to the heating and cooling needs of the building. While radiators, underfloor heating, wall heating and ceiling heating are primarily used for heating, fan-coil units can be used for both heating and cooling, providing flexibility and energy savings. The combination of the right heat transfer and cooling solutions can increase the energy efficiency and comfort of a building in the long term.

For help in designing your heating and cooling system, contact us to find the best solution for your needs!