Working Principle of Fan Coil and Underfloor Heating Heat Pump Systems

01/17/2026

Fan coil and underfloor heating heat pump systems are highly efficient and energy-saving HVAC solutions, widely used in modern residential buildings, offices, and small commercial spaces. These systems use a heat pump as the primary heating and cooling source, combined with fan coil units and underfloor heating terminals, to provide cooling, heating, and domestic hot water. Understanding how the system works helps users optimize performance and extend equipment lifespan.

Working Principle of Fan Coil and Underfloor Heating Heat Pump Systems

Core Working Principle of the Heat Pump

The heat pump serves as the system’s core, transferring heat from the environment into the indoor space or releasing it outside, achieving both cooling and heating. The heat transfer process involves a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve.

Heating mode: The heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor environment and transfers it via water circulation to fan coils and underfloor heating terminals

Cooling mode: The heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air and releases it outdoors, lowering indoor temperature

Compared with traditional electric or gas heating, this heat transfer method offers higher efficiency and lower long-term operating costs.

Fan Coil Terminal Operation

Fan coil units transfer heat from circulating water to indoor air and distribute it with a fan, enabling rapid temperature control.

Fast response, suitable for quickly adjusting room temperatures

Adjustable fan speed and thermostat settings provide a comfortable and energy-efficient environment

Fan coils are especially effective during summer cooling and transitional season adjustments, maintaining even indoor temperatures.

Underfloor Heating Terminal Operation

Underfloor heating delivers warmth through pipes embedded under the floor, circulating hot water for radiant heating. Heat rises evenly from the floor, creating stable room temperatures and warm flooring surfaces.

Provides gentle, uniform heating without drying the air

Maintains stable temperatures for long periods, minimizing temperature fluctuations

Low-temperature underfloor heating pairs efficiently with heat pumps, improving overall system energy efficiency and comfort, particularly during winter.

Water Circulation and Zoning Control

The system connects all terminal units through a water circulation network and supports zone-based temperature control. Different zones can independently adjust temperatures according to usage, reducing energy waste.

Zoning accommodates different requirements for bedrooms, living rooms, and functional areas

Smart control platforms enable remote adjustment and scheduled operation, enhancing convenience

Proper water circuit design ensures high-efficiency operation while maintaining comfort.

System Efficiency and Energy-Saving Benefits

Fan coil and underfloor heating heat pump systems offer high energy efficiency and low operating costs, especially for continuous use. Heat pumps extract ambient heat, fan coils provide rapid temperature response, and underfloor heating delivers low-temperature radiant warmth—together reducing overall energy consumption.

Partial load operation maintains stable output

Intelligent control strategies allow precise temperature management and energy savings

This efficient operation makes the system ideal for homes and small commercial spaces, improving comfort while lowering energy expenses.

Brand Recommendation and Applications

Selecting a mature and reliable brand ensures optimal performance and after-sales service. ETOP HVAC offers fan coil and underfloor heating heat pump systems with excellent heat pump efficiency, intelligent control, and terminal coordination, suitable for various residential and small commercial applications. More product details and case studies can be found at https://etophvac.com/

Smart Control and User Convenience

Modern systems often feature smart control, allowing users to adjust indoor temperatures, set schedules, and monitor system status via mobile apps or centralized controllers. Temperature can be tailored to daily routines, balancing energy savings with comfort.

By combining fast-response fan coils, stable radiant heat from underfloor heating, and efficient heat pump energy transfer, these systems provide a comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient indoor environment year-round, enhancing the quality of living and working spaces.