Emission Systems: Underfloor, Fancoils & Radiators

HVAC emission systems - underfloor heating, fan coils, radiators, special applications

The energy your heat pump or boiler produces is completely useless if it is not properly transferred into your space. Emission systems (or terminal units) are the final stage of your building's climate control and the only part you "see" and feel.

In this section, we dive into the construction secrets of ultimate comfort: from the layering of ideal underfloor heating, to the correct sizing of classic radiators and the selection of silent fan coils. Discover which system suits your space and budget.

Underfloor Heating & Cooling (The Ultimate System)

Rightly considered the top choice for new homes, offering ideal temperature distribution and complete freedom in architectural design. Let us look step by step at its construction, from the concrete slab to the final tile, preventing the most common construction errors.

Underfloor Heating Layering (Wet Build).

What lies beneath your floor? A guide to the material layers: vapour barrier, thermal insulation panel with studs, pipe and thermal screed.

Screed Thickness & Special Additives (Plasticisers).

How much cement should go above the pipe? Learn about ideal mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and why plain concrete is never used in underfloor systems.

Underfloor heating infographic - layering, expansion joints, dry build

Expansion Joints: Why do tiles crack?

The number 1 danger for floors. The critical importance of perimeter strips, field joints and how the builder protects the final flooring.

Dry-Build Underfloor Heating (No Cement).

The perfect solution for renovating older apartments. Minimal height (from 2cm), zero weight on the slab and immediate heat output.

Pipe Spacing: Distances and network densification.

When do we space the pipe at 10, 15 or 20 centimetres? Design guide and why we densify at large patio doors to "cut" the cold.

Underfloor Cooling & Dew Point.

Why do floors "sweat" in summer? How humidity sensors work and why using dehumidifiers (or local FCUs) is mandatory.

Choosing the Final Floor Covering: Tile, Laminate or Wood?

Which material is allowed above underfloor heating? See how each material's thermal resistance affects - and often reduces - the system's final performance.

Fan Coils (FCU) & Air-Water Systems

The powerful alternative to the classic air conditioner, using chilled or hot water instead of refrigerant. Fan coils offer immediate output, enormous cooling capacity and ideal pairing with heat pumps, in both residential and commercial spaces.

What is a Fan Coil Unit and how does it work?

Basic principles. How this device exchanges water heat with room air, providing cooling, heating and dehumidification.

Exposed Floor-Standing vs Concealed Ceiling.

Comparative guide. What to choose based on architectural aesthetics, available height (for false ceilings) and total installation budget.

Fan coil infographic - exposed, concealed ceiling, 2/4 pipe

2-Pipe vs 4-Pipe Fan Coils.

Technical network analysis. How advanced 4-pipe systems work, allowing simultaneous cooling in one room and heating in another.

Condensate Drainage in Fan Coils.

FCUs produce a lot of water during cooling. Everything the plumber needs to know about correct slopes, traps (odour prevention) and condensate pumps.

Noise (dB) in Fan Coils: The reality.

How to correctly read technical data sheets. Why in bedrooms the only value that matters is noise at Low Speed.

Radiators & Towel Rails

The most recognisable heating system is being modernised. Older radiators are giving way to new, more efficient units that must work with modern low-temperature heat pumps.

Panel Radiators vs Aluminium vs Cast Iron.

Material comparison guide. We analyse advantages, thermal inertia and response speed of each material in your space.

Radiator Sizing for Heat Pumps.

The "low temperature" secret. Why if you remove the oil boiler you need much larger (or double) radiators to heat properly.

Radiator infographic - panel, aluminium, TRV, towel rails

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): Room-by-room autonomy.

A DIY guide to installing thermostatic heads on your radiator valves and controlling consumption independently in each room.

Radiator Bleeding & Magnetite Sludge.

Step-by-step bleeding guide. What it means if the water coming out is jet black and why this "sludge" destroys your network.

Dual-Energy Bathroom Towel Rails.

How to install towel rails that connect to radiators in winter but also have an electric element for use in spring and autumn.

Special Emission Applications (Advanced Tech)

When traditional architecture is not enough, specialised solutions are called upon. Invisible systems, high-design or targeted radiation systems, ideal for huge glazed facades, listed buildings or specialised commercial spaces.

Ceiling & Wall Heating / Cooling.

When underfloor heating "moves" to the ceiling or walls. An ideal solution for listed building renovations or spaces with expensive wooden floors we do not want to remove.

Trench Heaters (Floor Channels).

The ultimate solution for luxury villas and commercial shops with huge, seamless glass facades that leave no sill space for radiator placement.

Special emission infographic - ceiling, trench heaters, baseboard, IR panels

Baseboard Heating.

How perimeter heat emission at the base of the wall works. A lesser known but extremely elegant and discreet heating solution.

Infrared Radiation Panels (IR Panels).

Do they have a place in the modern home? We separate aggressive marketing from real science, analysing where they have genuine application (and where they do not).

Main HVAC Guide

Return to the full heating-cooling guide for energy production, hydraulic networks, ventilation, automation and energy design.

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Need help choosing?

Planning a new installation or terminal unit replacement - contact us for expert guidance.