Office of Energy and Sustainability

Fan Coil Units

Heating buildings has historically been the college’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The college has upgraded the heating infrastructure from using fossil fuels to an all-electric geothermal heat pump system to heat and cool buildings. There are two types of heating and cooling units across campus, fan coil units and radiators.

Fan coil unit in dorm
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Office of Energy and Sustainability

Fan Coil Best Practices

Illustration of bottom-to-top airflow in a fan coil unitFan coil units (FCU) can provide heating in the winter by using hot water and cooling in the summer by using chilled water from the all-electric geothermal heat pump system. Air flows into the fan coil (intake) from the bottom and front of the unit. The air is then heated or cooled and blows out of the top of the fan coil (output).

Remember: The temperature in your room can affect the temperature in other rooms because they are all connected; please be considerate of your neighbors!

Keep your system running efficiently

To make sure the system is operating correctly, keep the top, bottom, and front of the FCU uncovered.

Keep items 1 foot away from the FCU to ensure proper air intake to heat and cool the room. Clear your personal items from the floor around and on top of the fan coil unit. It is best to move all furniture, clothing and books. Even small items can block the warm or cool air from the unit.

Watch this short video made by Oberlin College students to learn more!

  • If you see water around the FCU, it is broken. Please submit a Work Order.
  • If your room is too cold or too hot, please check the area around the unit to see if there is anything blocking the air intake or output. If the temperature is still uncomfortable, contact Facilities Operations or notify your RA.
  • Space heaters and other appliances that produce heat can signal to a temperature sensor or thermostat that your space has reached its set temperature, keeping the FCU from turning on to warm or cool the room. Please refrain from using such appliances to keep your unit functioning efficiently.