A horizontal fan coil plays a big part in keeping multi-unit buildings comfortable during the colder months. These units sit inside ceilings or crawl spaces and circulate warm air when outside temperatures drop. When one stops putting out heat, it can cause a lot of stress for both building managers and tenants.
In early January, places like Dallas can see unexpected cold fronts. That means every part of a heating system needs to run smoothly. If your horizontal fan coil isn’t heating like it should, it’s worth walking through a few key checkpoints.
Checking Thermostat and Control Settings
Before assuming a larger issue, it’s always smart to start with the basics. Thermostats control the fan coil’s behavior, so even a small misstep here can cause heating problems.
- Make sure the system is actually set to heat. It sounds obvious, but in buildings with shared controls, someone else may have changed the settings.
- Set the temperature well above current room temperature. This helps test whether the system is properly responding.
- If the fan coil still doesn’t turn on, double-check the control wiring. Loose wires between the thermostat and the unit may interrupt communication entirely.
In larger properties with centralized HVAC setups, make sure you understand how your settings interact with the master system. Sometimes the controls you are using only deliver partial control, and someone else’s settings are overriding what you input.
Inspecting Power Supply and Electrical Components
If the unit settings look right but the fan coil still won’t respond, then it may not be getting power.
- Check whether the breaker has tripped. Reset it if needed and see if that brings the system back to life.
- If the breaker is fine, look for a localized disconnect switch or fuse near the fan coil. These often get overlooked or flipped off during maintenance.
- Still nothing? The control board could be the issue. A faulty board might power the unit but stop it from heating. Check for burn marks or strange smells, then proceed carefully.
Never assume power is live without testing. If any wiring or components look damaged, contact someone certified to handle it just to be safe.
Examining the Hot Water Supply or Electric Heating Coil
Once you know the unit has power and proper settings, shift the focus to the actual heating side. All horizontal fan coils use either hot water or an electric coil to produce heat.
For hot water setups:
- Confirm that the boiler is running and delivering hot water to the coil.
- Look for cold pipes leading into the unit, which could mean a blockage or lag.
- Bleed any air from the piping system if you suspect an airlock near the coil.
For electric coils:
- Spot-check for melted terminals or signs that the coil has overheated.
- If the coil is inactive, the internal safety sensors might be keeping it off due to previous faults.
Both setups rely on steady heat delivery, so if the heating source isn’t getting through, you won’t feel warm air even if the fan is blowing.
Airflow Obstructions and Filter Blockage
Sometimes the heating part is working fine, but air isn’t moving like it should. That’s where airflow issues can throw you off.
- Dirty or clogged air filters are one of the most common causes of what feels like a cold fan coil.
- Supply grills might be blocked by furniture, dust, or other items that limit flow.
- Internal fan blades could also be coated in dust, which affects movement and balance.
Always check both incoming and outgoing vents around the unit. Limited airflow can make a properly functioning unit seem broken.
Sensors and Internal Component Malfunctions
The last step is to review the internal parts that help your unit make decisions and operate safely.
- A bad fan motor or stuck speed controller might prevent air from moving, even when the system calls for it.
- Faulty temperature sensors sometimes think it’s already warm enough and shut off the heat.
- Short and irregular run cycles might mean the control logic is misreading internal temperatures.
Sensors can easily fall out of range for reasons as simple as age or dust build-up. Balancing the heating process in a shared environment requires each part to play its role exactly right.
What Consistent Heating Means for Large Buildings
When a horizontal fan coil stops heating, it’s not just about comfort, it affects how we manage space, energy, and expectations. Every component, from the thermostat to the sensor, needs to work together in sync to deliver steady warmth throughout winter.
In large buildings with high occupant turnover or different usage zones, heating issues can spread fast. Staying mindful of these common trouble spots helps us catch small issues before they grow into wide-reaching problems. These checks might take time now, but they go a long way toward keeping systems predictable and people satisfied in colder months.
Why Choose First Co. for Fan Coil Solutions?
First Co. offers a wide range of American-made horizontal fan coil units designed specifically for use in large venues, commercial properties, and multi-occupant housing. Many of our units feature energy-efficient motors and flexible installation options to fit into varied building layouts. With a reputation for durability and support, our products are built to help property managers in Dallas, Texas, and beyond maintain steady comfort through changing seasons.
Heating issues in Dallas buildings can often be traced back to the current state of your horizontal fan coil units. These systems are put to the test in multi-occupant housing and busy commercial spaces, especially when the temperature drops. Making sure each unit is working as intended helps keep everyone comfortable. At First Co., we know managing HVAC in shared properties takes a lot of effort, so give us a call if your heating system isn’t keeping up and we’ll help you identify what needs attention.