Aerothermal fan coil heating is one of the most complete and efficient air conditioning solutions available today. It allows you to enjoy heating, cooling and, in many cases, domestic hot water (DHW) using a renewable energy source: the heat of the outside air.
This system combines an aerothermal heat pump with indoor fan coil units, capable of distributing hot or cold air depending on the season. The result is stable thermal comfort all year round, with reduced consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.
Here you will see how it works, what types of fan coils exist, how much it can cost to install it depending on the size of your home, what are its advantages and possible disadvantages, and what factors influence its real consumption. We will also see real examples of use in homes and businesses in Girona, as well as recommendations to make your installation a success from the first day.
What is fan coil heating and how does it work?
The aerothermal with fan coils is an air conditioning system that uses an aerothermal heat pump to capture energy from the outside air and transfer it to the inside of the home or office.
Instead of distributing heat or cold through radiators or underfloor heating, it uses fan coils (fan coils), which operate with hot or cold water and a fan that drives the heated air into the room.
Main components
- Aerothermal heat pump → Captures heat from outside air (even at low temperatures) and transfers it to the water circulating through the system.
- Fancoils → Indoor units that distribute hot or cold air depending on the season.
- Hydraulic distribution system → Piping through which hot or cold water circulates to the fan coils.
- Control system → Thermostats or control units to regulate the temperature.
- Buffer tank (optional) → Optimizes performance and extends system life.
Step-by-step operation
- The heat pump draws in outside air and extracts thermal energy.
- This energy heats or cools the water flowing through the pipes.
- The water reaches the fan coil, where a fan blows the room air through a heat exchanger.
- The air is heated or cooled and evenly distributed in the room.
Types of fan coils and which one to choose according to your home
Fan convectors are mainly classified by their location and installation. The choice depends on the characteristics of the space, the aesthetics you are looking for and the ease of installation.
| Fan coil type | Location | Advantages | Inconveniences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Of soil | Supported or recessed in the lower part of the wall, like a radiator. | Easy access for maintenance, uniform air distribution. | They take up visual space, less aesthetic. |
| Wall-mounted | Installed high on the wall (similar to air conditioning splits). | Simple installation, good air distribution. | Visible, less integrated in the decoration. |
| Ceiling / cassette | Integrated in false ceilings, they expel air from above. | Clean aesthetics, ideal for offices and stores. | Requires work for false ceiling, somewhat higher cost. |
| Duct | Hidden, they distribute air through grilles connected to ducts. | Totally invisible, they air-condition several rooms. | More complex and costly installation, requiring construction work. |
Quick Tip:
- For new homes or complete renovations, the ducted fan coil offers the best aesthetic result and comfort.
- For partial refurbishment or replacement of equipment, wall or floor-mounted units are more economical and quicker to install.
Advantages and disadvantages of fan convector fan heaters
The combination aerothermal + fan coils is very versatile and efficient, but it is not the best option for all cases.
Here is a clear summary with data and real examples from the province of Girona.
| Advantages | Detail | Example in Girona |
|---|---|---|
| High energy efficiency | COP of 3.5 to 5, which means that for each electric kW, 3.5 to 5 thermal kW are obtained. | In a 120 m² house in Blanes, the monthly cost of heating with fan coils can be around 60-70 €/month compared to 120-140 €/month with electric heaters. |
| All-in-one air conditioning | Heating, cooling and, with tank, DHW. | An apartment in Roses uses the same system for cooling in summer and heating in winter, with savings of 45% compared to separate systems. |
| Flexible installation | Suitable for new homes and renovations. | In Sant Feliu de Guíxols, wall fan coils were installed in a renovated apartment without the need for major works. |
| Low environmental impact | Lower CO₂ emissions by using energy from the air. | Compared to oil-fired boilers in cold areas such as Ripoll, emission reductions can exceed 70%. |
| Silent | More discreet than split air conditioners. | In a rural hotel in the Garrotxa region, fan coil air heating was chosen for its low noise level in the rooms. |
| Disadvantages | Detail | How to mitigate it |
|---|---|---|
| High initial investment | Installation from €9,000 and up. | Combine with public subsidies (in Girona there are subsidies of up to 35%) and photovoltaic self-consumption. |
| Lower performance in very cold climates | In extreme outdoor temperatures the COP drops. | Adding support resistance or hybrid system in areas such as Puigcerdà. |
| Requires electricity | Although it is efficient, electricity consumption exists. | Compensate with solar panels to reduce the real cost to less than 30 €/month. |
| Visible outdoor unit | May affect the aesthetics of the facade. | Locate it in back areas or on deck. |
Cost and examples of installation in Girona homes
The price of an aerothermal system with fan coils depends mainly on:
- Heat pump power (kW).
- Number and type of fan coils.
- Complexity of the installation.
- Labor and finishes.
Below is an indicative table with real and simulated cases in the province of Girona:
| Living area | Rooms to be air-conditioned | System | No. Fancoils | Price approx. installation | Estimated annual savings | Average amortization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 m² | Living room + 2 bedrooms | Aerothermal pump 8 kW | 3 | 9.000 € | 550-700 € | 12-14 years |
| 120 m² | Living room + 3 bedrooms + hallway | Aerothermal pump 10 kW | 4 | 10.500 € | 700-850 € | 11-13 years |
| 150 m² | Living room + 4 bedrooms | Aerothermal pump 12 kW | 5 | 12.000 € | 900-1.050 € | 10-12 years |
| 180 m² | Living room + 4 bedrooms + sitting room | 14 kW aerothermal pump | 6 | 13.500 € | 1.100-1.300 € | 9-11 years old |
| 200 m² | Complete single-family house | Aerothermal pump 16 kW | 7 | 15.000 € | 1.300-1.600 € | 8-10 years |
These prices include heat pump, fan coils, installation material and labor. They do not include civil works or insulation improvement. Savings have been calculated against electric or gasoil heating systems, considering current electricity rates in Girona (0.18-0.21 €/kWh).
Real example: House in Girona city (150 m²)
- Initial situation: Natural gas boiler with radiators.
- Refurbishment: Replacement by aerothermal + 5 wall fan coils + DHW tank of 150 liters.
- Total cost: 11,800 €.
- Previous consumption: 1,300 €/year (heating and DHW).
- Current consumption: 400 €/year (adding aerothermal + remaining electricity).
- Annual savings: ~900 €.
- Amortization: 10.5 years without subsidies, 8 years with Next Generation subsidy (‘ 2,500).
Frequently asked questions about Aerothermal with Fancoils
What is the difference between fan coils and fan coils?
Aerothermics is the technology that extracts energy from the outside air for air conditioning and DHW production. The fan coils are the indoor units that distribute this heat or cold inside the rooms. An aerothermal system with fan coils combines both elements.
Can fan coil units be used for cooling and heating?
Yes, it is a reversible system that operates in heating mode in winter and cooling in summer, in addition to being able to generate domestic hot water throughout the year.
Is this system efficient in climates like Girona?
Totally. Girona has moderate winters and warm summers, ideal conditions for the aerothermal heat pump to maintain high performance (high COP) and generate significant energy savings.
How much space is needed for the installation?
Requires outdoor space for the heat pump and indoor space for each fan coil. If buffer tank is included, additional area will be required.
What are the real savings compared to other systems?
Under optimal conditions, it can reduce electricity consumption by up to 70-75% compared to direct electric heating or oil-fired boilers.
Is it compatible with existing systems?
Yes, it can replace radiators, be integrated with underfloor heating or combined with other air conditioning systems.