A huge number of fan convectors is available for the commercial market. Jim Bennett outlines the options.
Using simple and proven technology that can put heat where required, when required, fan convectors have always been synonymous with ease of installation and high levels of energy efficiency. However, there are other benefits, with a major advantage being their versatility, which enables a number of different models to be installed under the same roof while running from the same central heating system.

A radiator works well if you have high central heating water temperatures but as water temperatures fall to the point where you achieve maximum benefit from your condensing boiler, performance reduces significantly. One option is to increase the size of radiators to cope with the calculated heat loss - but this takes up even more wall space and, in reality, is very rarely done.

Furthermore, fan convectors have a low surface temperature (LST), even when operating at maximum water temperature - unlike radiators. They also comply with legislation that dictates that the surface temperature of the outer casing does not exceed 43 deg C. In addition, strong construction, protective grilles and tamperproof controls are all elements that make fan convectors ideal for the commercial environment. This is in stark contrast to a radiator, which requires additional casing to achieve LST status. Indeed, the versatility of these heaters offers practical and economic solutions for heating all parts of a workplace, be it an office, restaurant, school, shop, showroom or factory. Different sized fan convectors can be tailored to fit different sized rooms. For instance, a large ceiling mounted unit is perfect for large spaces, such as shop floors and showrooms, while smaller products can simultaneously be fitted into tighter, adjoining spaces.

Floor mounted fan convectors meet the heating requirements and heavy duty demands of larger areas such as church halls, school halls, care homes, community rooms, libraries, large offices and hospital wards. Faster warm up makes them ideal for rooms that are used intermittently.

For larger rooms or departments, such as open plan offices, ceiling-mounted units are ideal. These units are also ideal for showrooms, shops, factories and leisure centres.

There are other types of high level fan convector available, which are wall-mountable and easily positioned above doorways and other 'dead' spaces, when there is a lack of wall space.

Fan convectors can be hydronic, electric or a combination of both. Whatever type they are, the basic principle remains the same: cool air is drawn in, which is then heated and expelled back into the room. The hydronic fan convector uses hot water from the central heating system passing through a heat exchanger, whereas electric models utilise an electrical element.

Whether hydronic or electric, fan convectors require virtually no maintenance, other than the occasional filter clean, helping ensure additional expenses and related problems are kept to a minimum. Hydronic models can switch on and off automatically with a building's heating system and, in line with the Building Regulations, most products are available with thermostatic control or the ability to link to a central control system.

• Jim Bennett is sales and marketing director at Smith's Environmental Products