When considering insulation upgrades for mobile homes, the quest for enhanced comfort is paramount. Seasonal tune-ups help ensure optimal HVAC performance in mobile homes hvac for mobile home heat exchanger. Mobile homes, by nature of their construction and design, often face unique challenges in maintaining a consistent indoor climate. Fortunately, modern advancements in insulation materials offer several options to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
One of the most commonly used insulation materials in mobile homes is fiberglass. Available in batts or loose-fill form, fiberglass is prized for its affordability and ease of installation. It effectively reduces heat transfer and is relatively resistant to moisture damage, making it suitable for varied climates. However, it's worth noting that fiberglass can settle over time and may require periodic evaluation to maintain its effectiveness.
Another popular choice is spray foam insulation, which has gained traction due to its excellent thermal resistance and air-sealing properties. Spray foam expands upon application, filling small gaps and cracks that might otherwise allow drafts or moisture intrusion. This ability to seal out air makes spray foam particularly advantageous in older mobile homes where airtightness can be a concern.
Reflective or radiant barrier insulation presents another option, especially beneficial in warmer climates. Typically made from aluminum foil placed over a substrate material like kraft paper or plastic film, radiant barriers reflect heat away from the home rather than absorbing it. This type of insulation works best when installed alongside traditional forms as part of a comprehensive approach.
Rigid foam boards are also an option worth considering for mobile home owners looking to upgrade their insulation. These boards provide high insulating value per inch of thickness and are versatile enough to be used on walls, roofs, and floors. They resist water absorption and help minimize thermal bridging - where heat escapes through structural elements rather than insulated spaces.
Cellulose insulation offers an eco-friendly alternative derived from recycled paper products treated with fire retardants. Known for its density and ability to block airflow better than some other types of insulation, cellulose can be blown into wall cavities or attic spaces efficiently.
Each of these materials presents distinct advantages depending on specific needs such as climate considerations or budget constraints. When upgrading the insulation in a mobile home, it's crucial to weigh factors like R-value (a measure of thermal resistance), installation complexity, cost-effectiveness over time, and environmental impact.
Improving the insulation in a mobile home not only enhances comfort but also contributes significantly to energy savings by reducing heating and cooling costs throughout the year. By carefully selecting appropriate materials tailored to individual circumstances - whether prioritizing initial cost savings with fiberglass or long-term efficiency gains with spray foam - homeowners can achieve optimal results that bolster both comfort levels within their living space and overall sustainability efforts.
In conclusion, reviewing common insulation materials available today reveals numerous pathways toward greater comfort within mobile homes through thoughtful upgrades tailored specifically around personal preferences combined with practical needs driven by external environmental factors such as temperature extremes experienced seasonally across different regions nationwide - ultimately ensuring peace-of-mind knowing one's abode remains cozy year-round regardless!
Evaluating the current insulation in your mobile home is a crucial step towards ensuring enhanced comfort and energy efficiency. Many mobile homes, particularly older models, were not initially equipped with high-quality insulation. As a result, these homes can often be more susceptible to external temperature fluctuations, leading to higher energy bills and discomfort for the occupants. By reviewing the existing insulation and considering upgrades, homeowners can significantly improve their living environment.
The first step in evaluating your mobile home's insulation is to conduct a thorough inspection. This involves examining all parts of the home where heat loss or gain might occur-walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors. Insulation materials have advanced considerably over the years; therefore, understanding what was originally installed can provide insight into potential improvements. For instance, fiberglass batts or rolls are common in older homes but may not provide sufficient thermal resistance compared to modern options like spray foam or rigid foam boards.
Once you have a clear picture of your current insulation status, it's time to consider potential upgrades. Upgrading insulation not only enhances comfort by maintaining a consistent indoor temperature but also reduces heating and cooling costs year-round. In colder climates, better-insulated walls and ceilings prevent heat from escaping during winter months. Conversely, in hotter regions, improved insulation keeps the interior cooler by blocking external heat.
Another key area that often requires attention is the underbelly of the mobile home-the space beneath the floor which acts as a barrier against ground moisture and temperature variations. Properly insulating this area can make a significant difference in overall efficiency and comfort levels.
Additionally, addressing drafts around windows and doors is vital when upgrading insulation. Weather stripping or caulking can seal gaps that allow air leakage-critical steps that complement any new insulation efforts undertaken elsewhere in the home.
When deciding on an upgrade plan, consider consulting with professionals who specialize in mobile home renovations. They can offer tailored advice based on specific needs and regional climate considerations while ensuring compliance with local building codes.
In conclusion, evaluating and upgrading your mobile home's insulation is an investment that pays off through increased comfort and reduced energy expenses over time. By carefully assessing current conditions and exploring modern solutions tailored for both budgetary constraints and environmental conditions unique to your location-you take significant strides toward creating a more comfortable living space that stands up to seasonal changes efficiently.
Owning a mobile home comes with its own set of unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining essential systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).. Unlike traditional homes, mobile homes often have distinct structural and mechanical characteristics that can lead to frequent HVAC issues.
Posted by on 2024-12-27
As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the demand for eco-friendly solutions across various sectors is becoming increasingly urgent.. One area that is rapidly evolving in response to this demand is sustainable HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems for mobile living.
Posted by on 2024-12-27
When considering home improvements, upgrading insulation might not immediately appear glamorous or exciting. However, it plays a crucial role in enhancing comfort and improving the efficiency of HVAC systems. As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their utility bills while maintaining a comfortable living environment. Upgrading insulation offers a practical solution with multiple benefits.
One of the primary advantages of improved insulation is the enhancement of energy efficiency in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Insulation acts as a barrier that limits heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a home. Inadequate or poorly installed insulation can lead to significant heat loss during winter months and excessive heat gain during summer, forcing HVAC systems to work harder than necessary. By upgrading insulation, homeowners can ensure that their HVAC systems operate more efficiently, reducing wear and tear on the equipment and extending its lifespan.
Moreover, effective insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year. This consistency eliminates cold drafts in winter and hot spots in summer, creating a more comfortable living space for all occupants. When insulation is upgraded to modern standards, it significantly improves a home's thermal envelope-the boundary through which energy is exchanged-ensuring that conditioned air remains inside longer. Consequently, residents experience enhanced comfort without constantly adjusting thermostats.
Additionally, upgrading insulation contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption. Homes account for a significant portion of global energy use; therefore, improving residential energy efficiency can have substantial impacts on reducing carbon footprints. With less demand on HVAC systems due to better-insulated homes, there is reduced reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling needs-an essential step towards combating climate change.
Financial incentives often accompany these ecological benefits. Many governments offer rebates or tax credits for homeowners who invest in energy-efficient upgrades like improved insulation. These financial incentives can help offset initial costs while providing long-term savings on utility bills-a win-win situation for both pocketbooks and the planet.
Furthermore, superior insulation enhances soundproofing within homes by dampening noise from outside sources such as traffic or neighbors' activities-a valuable benefit particularly in urban settings where ambient noise levels are higher.
In conclusion, upgrading home insulation offers numerous benefits beyond just immediate cost savings; it leads to greater HVAC efficiency resulting in lower operational costs over time while simultaneously contributing positively toward environmental conservation efforts-all without sacrificing personal comfort levels indoors! For those seeking enhanced comfort coupled with improved efficiency at home: reviewing one's current state-of-insulation should be considered an essential step forward today!
Selecting the right insulation upgrade for your home is a crucial step towards enhancing comfort and achieving energy efficiency. With a myriad of options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which type of insulation best suits your needs. This step-by-step guide aims to simplify the process by breaking down the essential considerations and offering practical advice to help you make an informed decision.
The first step in selecting an insulation upgrade is to assess your current situation. Begin by conducting a thorough inspection of your home's existing insulation. Identify areas that are poorly insulated or have gaps, as these are likely candidates for improvement. Common problem areas include attics, walls, basements, and crawl spaces. Understanding where heat loss or gain occurs will help you prioritize which areas need upgrading.
Once you've identified the areas requiring attention, the next step is to understand the different types of insulation materials available. Each type has its unique properties and advantages. For instance, fiberglass is known for its affordability and ease of installation, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. On the other hand, spray foam offers superior air sealing capabilities but comes at a higher cost. Consider cellulose if you're looking for an eco-friendly option made from recycled materials.
After familiarizing yourself with the insulation types, evaluate their R-values a measure of thermal resistance that indicates how well a material insulates. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance. However, it's important to consider regional climate conditions when selecting an R-value; colder climates typically require higher R-values compared to milder regions.
Budget is another key factor in choosing an insulation upgrade. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper materials initially, investing in high-quality insulation can lead to significant energy savings over time and increase overall comfort within your home. Balance cost with potential long-term benefits when making your decision.
Additionally, consider whether you'll undertake the installation as a DIY project or hire professionals. Some types of insulation like blown-in or spray foam require specialized equipment and expertise that might not be feasible for DIY enthusiasts. Hiring professionals ensures proper installation but adds labor costs to your budget.
Finally, think about any additional features you might want from your chosen insulation beyond temperature control-such as soundproofing capabilities or moisture resistance-which can further enhance living comfort.
In conclusion, selecting the right insulation upgrade involves careful assessment of existing conditions and thoughtful consideration of material options relative to their performance attributes and costs involved-all tailored around personal priorities such as environmental impact or additional functionalities desired beyond simple thermal management goals alone! By following this structured approach systematically addressing each aspect thoroughly along way towards optimizing household energy efficiency while simultaneously boosting indoor living standards significantly!
When it comes to enhancing the comfort of our homes, insulation upgrades often emerge as a key consideration. Not only do they promise improved thermal regulation and a more consistent indoor climate, but they also hold significant implications for cost considerations and potential savings.
At the heart of any decision related to home improvements are the costs involved. Insulation upgrades can vary widely in terms of initial expenditure, depending on factors such as the type of insulation material chosen, the size of the area to be insulated, and labor costs. While options like fiberglass or cellulose may offer a more budget-friendly initial outlay, advanced materials such as spray foam tend to be pricier upfront. However, it's crucial to look beyond just the initial costs.
The long-term financial benefits of upgrading insulation can be substantial. Improved insulation reduces energy consumption by minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This leads to lower heating and cooling bills-a major component of household expenses. According to various studies, homeowners can expect to save anywhere from 10% to 50% on energy bills after proper insulation upgrades. Over time, these savings can offset the initial investment significantly.
Moreover, many regions offer incentives designed to encourage energy efficiency improvements. These might include tax credits, rebates from utility companies, or government grants that can help reduce the effective cost of an insulation upgrade project. Being aware of and utilizing these incentives can make insulation upgrades even more financially attractive.
Beyond direct financial savings, enhanced insulation contributes indirectly by increasing property value. Homes with high energy efficiency ratings are increasingly sought after in real estate markets where eco-conscious buyers are willing to pay a premium for sustainability features.
In considering an upgrade for enhanced comfort through better insulation, homeowners should weigh both immediate costs and long-term savings potential carefully. It's not merely about spending money but rather investing in future comfort and financial prudence-creating a home that is not only pleasant year-round but also economically sustainable over time.
Thus, while insulating your home demands an upfront investment, its impact on reducing ongoing expenses while boosting comfort makes it a wise choice for those looking at long-term benefits both financially and environmentally. The balance between cost considerations and potential savings reveals that this is an enhancement well worth pursuing for any conscientious homeowner aiming for improved quality of life within their living spaces.
In recent years, the importance of energy efficiency and comfort in living spaces has become increasingly pronounced. Mobile homes, often perceived as less efficient compared to traditional houses, have garnered attention for their potential to undergo significant insulation upgrades that remarkably enhance both comfort and energy savings. This essay delves into case studies that highlight successful mobile home insulation upgrades, showcasing them as inspiring success stories.
One remarkable case involves a mobile home community in the Midwest where residents faced harsh winters and scorching summers. The homes originally had outdated and inadequate insulation, leading to high energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. A comprehensive insulation upgrade project was initiated with a focus on modernizing these homes while keeping costs manageable for the residents.
The project began with an assessment of each mobile home's existing insulation levels using advanced thermal imaging technology. This step revealed critical areas where heat loss was most significant. Subsequently, contractors employed innovative materials such as spray foam and rigid foam boards to ensure maximum thermal resistance. The use of reflective barriers also played a vital role in reducing heat gain during summer months.
Residents experienced immediate improvements post-upgrade. One homeowner reported that her heating costs dropped by nearly 40% during winter, while another mentioned a drastic reduction in the need for air conditioning during summer. Beyond financial savings, the comfort levels within these homes improved dramatically; rooms previously known for being drafty or excessively warm became uniformly temperate.
Another inspiring success story comes from a coastal town where a mobile home park faced frequent humidity challenges due to its proximity to water bodies. Here, the focus was not only on temperature control but also on moisture management-a crucial aspect often overlooked in conventional insulation projects.
Insulation specialists opted for vapor barriers combined with cellulose insulation which effectively mitigated moisture infiltration while providing excellent thermal resistance. The result was twofold: reduced mold growth risk and increased indoor air quality alongside enhanced comfort.
Residents expressed newfound satisfaction with their living environments post-upgrade-spaces once plagued by humidity-related issues were now dry and pleasant throughout the year. Moreover, this transformation fostered community pride among homeowners who felt empowered by investing in durable solutions tailored specifically toward enhancing their well-being.
These case studies underscore several key takeaways relevant across broader contexts: effective planning through precise assessments; employing cutting-edge materials suited uniquely per climate conditions; prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term gains-all essential components contributing toward successful mobile home insulation upgrades capable of transforming ordinary dwellings into havens of comfort without compromising economic viability.
In conclusion, reviewing such examples illustrates how seemingly modest changes can yield profound impacts when approached strategically-serving not only individual homeowners but entire communities striving collectively toward enhanced living standards amidst diverse environmental challenges inherent across different regions globally today!
Fenton, Missouri
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City
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![]() Main Street in Fenton (February 2018)
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![]() Location within St. Louis County, Missouri
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![]() Interactive map outlining Fenton
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Coordinates: 38°31′39″N 90°26′55″W / 38.52750°N 90.44861°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Missouri |
County | St. Louis |
Founded | 1818 |
Incorporated | 1948 |
Government
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• Mayor | Bob Brasses |
Area
[1]
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• Total
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6.59 sq mi (17.07 km2) |
• Land | 6.27 sq mi (16.24 km2) |
• Water | 0.32 sq mi (0.83 km2) |
Elevation
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413 ft (126 m) |
Population
(2020)
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• Total
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3,989 |
• Density | 636.10/sq mi (245.58/km2) |
Demonym(s) | Fentonian, Fentonling |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Zip code |
63026
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Area code | 636 |
FIPS code | 29-23950 |
GNIS feature ID | 2394757[2] |
Website | fentonmo.org |
Fenton is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States, and a suburb of St. Louis County. The population was 3,989 at the 2020 census.
Due to its proximity to fertile land and the Meramec River, the Fenton area has been inhabited for over 900 years. The earliest proof of ancient dwellers was excavated from the "Fenton Mounds", two conical earthen burial mounds located near the southwestern border of Fenton. Diagnostic pottery shards from the mounds indicate they date from the Mississippian times, A.D. 1050 - 1400.[3] In 2001, the mounds were leveled, by developer Gary Grewe, for construction of a Walmart Supercenter.[4]
The Fenton territory was occupied by Native Americans and early settlers in the 1770s. William Lindsay Long founded the city of Fenton on March 23, 1818. The original eight-square-block area is now referred to as "Old Towne Fenton". The city remained unincorporated for the next 130 years. Garrett Hitzert was the city's first mayor after incorporation in 1948, and his leadership helped build the foundation that much of the city's ongoing prosperity has been based on. He conceived of Fenton's expansive commercial business and industrial district that is a centerpiece of the city's fiscal success.[5]
Fenton is located approximately two miles south of I-44 along the west bank of the Meramec River. The intersection of Missouri routes 30 and 141 lies just to the west.[6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.38 square miles (16.52 km2), of which 6.05 square miles (15.67 km2) is land and 0.33 square miles (0.85 km2) is water.[7]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
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1900 | 160 | — | |
1910 | 172 | 7.5% | |
1920 | 146 | −15.1% | |
1930 | 237 | 62.3% | |
1940 | 171 | −27.8% | |
1950 | 207 | 21.1% | |
1960 | 1,059 | 411.6% | |
1970 | 2,275 | 114.8% | |
1980 | 2,417 | 6.2% | |
1990 | 3,346 | 38.4% | |
2000 | 4,360 | 30.3% | |
2010 | 4,022 | −7.8% | |
2020 | 3,989 | −0.8% | |
U.S. Decennial Census 2011 estimate |
As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 4,022 people, 1,549 households, and 1,176 families living in the city. The population density was 664.8 inhabitants per square mile (256.7/km2). There were 1,611 housing units at an average density of 266.3 per square mile (102.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.
There were 1,549 households, of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.8% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.1% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.94.
The median age in the city was 46.7 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 37.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,360 people, 1,587 households, and 1,239 families living in the city. The population density was 710.7 inhabitants per square mile (274.4/km2). There were 1,631 housing units at an average density of 265.9 per square mile (102.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.98% White, 0.39% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.
There were 1,587 households, out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.7% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $74,708, and the median income for a family was $80,536. Males had a median income of $56,425 versus $34,514 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,658. About 0.6% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.
Major corporations in the city include Tacony Corporation and Nooter Eriksen Corporation (makers of industrial equipment), Sachs Electric, UniGroup (owners of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, Wolff Shoe, Maritz, Fabick Caterpillar, and 8th Avenue Food & Provisions. Retail Technology Group, a major national point-of-sale supplier, is based in Fenton. Fenton contains a large industrial park and a newly developed logistics park located on the former Chrysler Assembly site.[citation needed]
The former Chrysler North and South assembly plants were located on North Highway Drive in Fenton. Opened in 1959 and easily visible from Interstate 44, the Chrysler plant was a cornerstone of the Fenton economy for decades. A residential area was even built near the plant with street names like Fury, Imperial, Dart, and Valiant. In its later years, the South plant assembled Chrysler minivans such as the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan, while the North plant assembled the Dodge Ram truck. The South plant ceased operations in 2008, while the North plant shut down for good in July 2009. In 2013 the site was considered as a possible location for a new stadium for the St. Louis Rams if renovations to the Edward Jones Dome did not materialize.[9] In 2014 a local St. Louis real estate developer purchased the empty 300-acre lot to develop 240 acres of offices, businesses, and industrial buildings, with the remaining 60 acres primarily designated for retail use.[10]
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The immediate Fenton area is home to some of the most prestigious youth soccer clubs in the nation. The St. Louis Soccer Park abuts the Fenton city limits. It hosts multiple professional and semi-professional soccer matches. St. Louis Soccer Park has hosted several United States qualifier games for both the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship play their home games at St. Louis Soccer Park. St. Louis Soccer Park is home to SLSG, a soccer academy founded and coached by Scott Gallagher. In 2012, the U18 team from SLSG played a match against the US Soccer U18 team. Fenton itself is home to the Fenton Athletic Association. Ice hockey is also a popular sport in Fenton. The Fenton Forum is home to the Rockwood Summit Falcons ice hockey team as well as the Affton Americans youth and Tier II ice hockey clubs for many home games. Every year, the Missouri Fall Face-Off NCAA lacrosse competition takes place in Fenton.
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Fenton is called the "City of Parks" owing to its extensive park and recreation system. The City has seven fully developed parks on 350-plus acres, including soccer fields, ball diamonds, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, fishing ponds, and approximately three miles of bike/pedestrian paths through the City. The parks include: Fenton City Park, Bud Weil Memorial Park, Fenton Meramec Greenway, Olde Towne Plaza Riverside Park, Valiant Park, and Westside Park. Plans are being developed for the former Fabick property in the heart of the City. These plans include trails and some passive uses.[11]
In the spring of 2004 the Mayor of Fenton, Dennis J. Hancock, and the members of the Park Board (Board Chair Glen Scholle and members Jeff Bodi, Charles Jahneke, Mike Lucas, Steve Covault, Gregg Cleveland, Diana Biras and Nannette Clark) determined that their city should build a memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It was also determined that the memorial would honor police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and all veterans.
The City of Fenton is served by the Rockwood, Northwest, and Lindbergh school districts. Rockwood Summit High School is located in Fenton and is the primary high school for area students. One private school, St. Paul Catholic School, is located in Fenton.[12] Two others, Our Savior Lutheran School and Heritage Classical Christian Academy, are located adjacent to the city limits. The Meramec Valley Branch of the St. Louis County Library system is in Fenton,[13] although a new, larger facility is open just outside the city limits.[14]
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This article may be too technical for most readers to understand.(August 2014)
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This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia.(August 2014)
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A fan coil unit (FCU), also known as a Vertical Fan Coil Unit (VFCU), is a device consisting of a heat exchanger (coil) and a fan. FCUs are commonly used in HVAC systems of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings that use ducted split air conditioning or central plant cooling. FCUs are typically connected to ductwork and a thermostat to regulate the temperature of one or more spaces and to assist the main air handling unit for each space if used with chillers. The thermostat controls the fan speed and/or the flow of water or refrigerant to the heat exchanger using a control valve.
Due to their simplicity, flexibility, and easy maintenance, fan coil units can be more economical to install than ducted 100% fresh air systems (VAV) or central heating systems with air handling units or chilled beams. FCUs come in various configurations, including horizontal (ceiling-mounted) and vertical (floor-mounted), and can be used in a wide range of applications, from small residential units to large commercial and industrial buildings.
Noise output from FCUs, like any other form of air conditioning, depends on the design of the unit and the building materials surrounding it. Some FCUs offer noise levels as low as NR25 or NC25.
The output from an FCU can be established by looking at the temperature of the air entering the unit and the temperature of the air leaving the unit, coupled with the volume of air being moved through the unit. This is a simplistic statement, and there is further reading on sensible heat ratios and the specific heat capacity of air, both of which have an effect on thermal performance.
Fan Coil Unit covers a range of products and will mean different things to users, specifiers, and installers in different countries and regions, particularly in relation to product size and output capability.
Fan Coil Unit falls principally into two main types: blow through and draw through. As the names suggest, in the first type the fans are fitted behind the heat exchanger, and in the other type the fans are fitted in front the coil such that they draw air through it. Draw through units are considered thermally superior, as ordinarily they make better use of the heat exchanger. However they are more expensive, as they require a chassis to hold the fans whereas a blow-through unit typically consists of a set of fans bolted straight to a coil.
A fan coil unit may be concealed or exposed within the room or area that it serves.
An exposed fan coil unit may be wall-mounted, freestanding or ceiling mounted, and will typically include an appropriate enclosure to protect and conceal the fan coil unit itself, with return air grille and supply air diffuser set into that enclosure to distribute the air.
A concealed fan coil unit will typically be installed within an accessible ceiling void or services zone. The return air grille and supply air diffuser, typically set flush into the ceiling, will be ducted to and from the fan coil unit and thus allows a great degree of flexibility for locating the grilles to suit the ceiling layout and/or the partition layout within a space. It is quite common for the return air not to be ducted and to use the ceiling void as a return air plenum.
The coil receives hot or cold water from a central plant, and removes heat from or adds heat to the air through heat transfer. Traditionally fan coil units can contain their own internal thermostat, or can be wired to operate with a remote thermostat. However, and as is common in most modern buildings with a Building Energy Management System (BEMS), the control of the fan coil unit will be by a local digital controller or outstation (along with associated room temperature sensor and control valve actuators) linked to the BEMS via a communication network, and therefore adjustable and controllable from a central point, such as a supervisors head end computer.
Fan coil units circulate hot or cold water through a coil in order to condition a space. The unit gets its hot or cold water from a central plant, or mechanical room containing equipment for removing heat from the central building's closed-loop. The equipment used can consist of machines used to remove heat such as a chiller or a cooling tower and equipment for adding heat to the building's water such as a boiler or a commercial water heater.
Hydronic fan coil units can be generally divided into two types: Two-pipe fan coil units or four-pipe fan coil units. Two-pipe fan coil units have one supply and one return pipe. The supply pipe supplies either cold or hot water to the unit depending on the time of year. Four-pipe fan coil units have two supply pipes and two return pipes. This allows either hot or cold water to enter the unit at any given time. Since it is often necessary to heat and cool different areas of a building at the same time, due to differences in internal heat loss or heat gains, the four-pipe fan coil unit is most commonly used.
Fan coil units may be connected to piping networks using various topology designs, such as "direct return", "reverse return", or "series decoupled". See ASHRAE Handbook "2008 Systems & Equipment", Chapter 12.
Depending upon the selected chilled water temperatures and the relative humidity of the space, it's likely that the cooling coil will dehumidify the entering air stream, and as a by product of this process, it will at times produce a condensate which will need to be carried to drain. The fan coil unit will contain a purpose designed drip tray with drain connection for this purpose. The simplest means to drain the condensate from multiple fan coil units will be by a network of pipework laid to falls to a suitable point. Alternatively a condensate pump may be employed where space for such gravity pipework is limited.
The fan motors within a fan coil unit are responsible for regulating the desired heating and cooling output of the unit. Different manufacturers employ various methods for controlling the motor speed. Some utilize an AC transformer, adjusting the taps to modulate the power supplied to the fan motor. This adjustment is typically performed during the commissioning stage of building construction and remains fixed for the lifespan of the unit.
Alternatively, certain manufacturers employ custom-wound Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motors with speed taps in the windings. These taps are set to the desired speed levels for the specific design of the fan coil unit. To enable local control, a simple speed selector switch (Off-High-Medium-Low) is provided for the occupants of the room. This switch is often integrated into the room thermostat and can be manually set or automatically controlled by a digital room thermostat.
For automatic fan speed and temperature control, Building Energy Management Systems are employed. The fan motors commonly used in these units are typically AC Shaded Pole or Permanent Split Capacitor motors. Recent advancements include the use of brushless DC designs with electronic commutation. Compared to units equipped with asynchronous 3-speed motors, fan coil units utilizing brushless motors can reduce power consumption by up to 70%.[1]
Fan coil units linked to ducted split air conditioning units use refrigerant in the cooling coil instead of chilled coolant and linked to a large condenser unit instead of a chiller. They might also be linked to liquid-cooled condenser units which use an intermediate coolant to cool the condenser using cooling towers.
These motors are sometimes called DC motors, sometimes EC motors and occasionally DC/EC motors. DC stands for direct current and EC stands for electronically commutated.
DC motors allow the speed of the fans within a fan coil unit to be controlled by means of a 0-10 Volt input control signal to the motor/s, the transformers and speed switches associated with AC fan coils are not required. Up to a signal voltage of 2.5 Volts (which may vary with different fan/motor manufacturers) the fan will be in a stopped condition but as the signal voltage is increased, the fan will seamlessly increase in speed until the maximum is reached at a signal Voltage of 10 Volts. fan coils will generally operate between approximately 4 Volts and 7.5 Volts because below 4 Volts the air volumes are ineffective and above 7.5 Volts the fan coil is likely to be too noisy for most commercial applications.
The 0-10 Volt signal voltage can be set via a simple potentiometer and left or the 0-10 Volt signal voltage can be delivered to the fan motors by the terminal controller on each of the Fan Coil Units. The former is very simple and cheap but the latter opens up the opportunity to continuously alter the fan speed depending on various external conditions/influences. These conditions/criteria could be the 'real time' demand for either heating or cooling, occupancy levels, window switches, time clocks or any number of other inputs from either the unit itself, the Building Management System or both.
The reason that these DC Fan Coil Units are, despite their apparent relative complexity, becoming more popular is their improved energy efficiency levels compared to their AC motor-driven counterparts of only a few years ago. A straight swap, AC to DC, will reduce electrical consumption by 50% but applying Demand and Occupancy dependent fan speed control can take the savings to as much as 80%. In areas of the world where there are legally enforceable energy efficiency requirements for fan coils (such as the UK), DC Fan Coil Units are rapidly becoming the only choice.
In high-rise buildings, fan coils may be vertically stacked, located one above the other from floor to floor and all interconnected by the same piping loop.
Fan coil units are an excellent delivery mechanism for hydronic chiller boiler systems in large residential and light commercial applications. In these applications the fan coil units are mounted in bathroom ceilings and can be used to provide unlimited comfort zones - with the ability to turn off unused areas of the structure to save energy.
In high-rise residential construction, typically each fan coil unit requires a rectangular through-penetration in the concrete slab on top of which it sits. Usually, there are either 2 or 4 pipes made of ABS, steel or copper that go through the floor. The pipes are usually insulated with refrigeration insulation, such as acrylonitrile butadiene/polyvinyl chloride (AB/PVC) flexible foam (Rubatex or Armaflex brands) on all pipes, or at least on the chilled water lines to prevent condensate from forming.
A unit ventilator is a fan coil unit that is used mainly in classrooms, hotels, apartments and condominium applications. A unit ventilator can be a wall mounted or ceiling hung cabinet, and is designed to use a fan to blow outside air across a coil, thus conditioning and ventilating the space which it is serving.
The Fan Coil is composed of one quarter of 2-pipe-units and three quarters of 4-pipe-units, and the most sold products are "with casing" (35%), "without casing" (28%), "cassette" (18%) and "ducted" (16%).[2]
The market by region was split in 2010 as follows:
Region | Sales Volume in units[2] | Share |
---|---|---|
Benelux | 33 725 | 2.6% |
France | 168 028 | 13.2% |
Germany | 63 256 | 5.0% |
Greece | 33 292 | 2.6% |
Italy | 409 830 | 32.1% |
Poland | 32 987 | 2.6% |
Portugal | 22 957 | 1.8% |
Russia, Ukraine and CIS countries | 87 054 | 6.8% |
Scandinavia and Baltic countries | 39 124 | 3.1% |
Spain | 91 575 | 7.2% |
Turkey | 70 682 | 5.5% |
UK and Ireland | 69 169 | 5.4% |
Eastern Europe | 153 847 | 12.1% |
Very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and don't make you feel like you're inconveniencing them. They seem willing to take all the time you need. As if you're the only thing they have to do that day. The store is clean, organized and not cluttered, symmetrical at that. Cuz I'm even and symmetricals biggest fan. It was a pleasure doing business with them and their prices are definitely reasonable. So, I'll be doing business with them in the future no doubt.
Royal installed a new furnace and air conditioner just before we got our used mobile home. Recently, the furnace stopped lighting. Jared (sp?) made THREE trips to get it back to good. He was so gracious and kind. Fortunately for us it was still under warranty. BTW, those three trips were from Fenton, Missouri to Belleville, Illinois! Thanks again, Jared!
Horrible workmanship, horrible customer service, don't show up when they say they are. Ghosted. Was supposed to come back on Monday, no call no show. Called Tuesday and Wednesday, left messages both days. Nothing. Kinked my line, crooked to the pad and house, didn't put disconnect back on, left the trash.....