What is a fan coil unit?
A fan coil unit is the indoor component of a split air conditioning system that receives refrigerant from the outdoor compressor and uses a blower fan, evaporator coil, and filter to cool and distribute air throughout a room or zone.
The fan coil unit (FCU) is the interior part of a split air conditioning system mounted on a wall, ceiling, or within a duct. It works in tandem with an outdoor condensing unit to deliver cooling to a space. Cold refrigerant flows into the unit's evaporator coil, where heat from indoor air is absorbed. A motorized blower fan then pushes this cooled air back into the room through adjustable vents.
Most fan coil units contain three key components. The evaporator coil exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the room's air. The blower fan moves this conditioned air with adjustable speed settings. The air filter, typically positioned before the coil, traps dust and particles to protect the coil and maintain indoor air quality. Units may also include a drain pan to collect condensation that forms as warm indoor air cools.
Fan coil units are common in Tampines homes and offices because they allow flexible room-by-room temperature control without extensive ductwork. Each unit operates independently on its own thermostat, making them more efficient than central systems for selective cooling. When a unit underperforms or develops refrigerant leaks, servicing by an air conditioning contractor is needed to restore proper cooling capacity.