Book Service

Find Your Next Step.

Popular places to start

Replacement & Planning

How Long Do Condo Fan Coil Units Last?

Fan coil lifespan depends on condition, maintenance and operating environment. Compare an isolated repair with retrofit when leaks, corrosion or recurring faults develop.

Book OnlineCall Now 416-736-7001
Browse Service FAQs →

Key Takeaways

  • Fan coil lifespan depends on condition, maintenance and operating environment.
  • Compare an isolated repair with retrofit when leaks, corrosion or recurring faults develop.
  • Recurring leaks and corrosion deserve investigation before another isolated fan coil repair.
  • Age can inform planning, but the condition of the installed equipment remains important.

Updated

In This Guide

According to TD Insurance, more than 40% of Condo Insurance Claims are due to Flooding In Condos in recent years. These issues can occur more often in order fan coil systems. Water damage in older condos can cause higher building insurance as well as liability risks for property managers and residents in the building.

Before & After Fan Coil Replacement

A useful before-and-after comparison records the cabinet condition, replaced components and any insulation or connection work included in the retrofit.

What A Brend New Fan Coil Retrofit Offer

The retrofit proposal should identify every new component and any retained equipment. Use the items below to discuss the scope for your cabinet.

  • The entire cabinet interior insulation, all old components, including coil, actuator, motor, blower housing assembly, drain pan & electronics will be removed & replaced with brand new parts & durable plumbing material. 
  • Brand New Supply & Return 1/2 “ Safety shut-off valves will be installed (If it is not corporation responsibility*)
  • New energy-efficient motor ECM Variable Speed Technology will be installed for energy saving & lower noise levels.
  • New 24V Suite Pro Digital Honeywell Thermostat will be installed at the same location as your previous thermostat.
  • Optional items such as Access Panel Doors & Grilles With Dampers can be installed upon request. 
  • New electronics & wiring allow Smart Thermostat Compatibility as an added feature to your new system. If you are interested in NEST or Ecobee products, simply ask us to bring you the right model. We can install and provide training upon request. 
  • Better Air Flow & Air Circulation Throughout your condo. 
  • Get a new status certificate from your property manager. You can now claim a newly installed fan coil system on your status certificate. This will distinguish your suit from your neighbours for potential future or existing buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions.
Clear Answers.

Explore the questions below. Select a question to open its full answer, or keep several answers open to compare.

How Long Do Fan Coil Units Last?

Fan Coil units are designed to operate for 20 years according to manufacturer specifications. Studies found many risks associated with fan coil systems exceeding 20 years of lifespan.

Fan Coils are the most commonly installed HVAC systems in Toronto’s low rise & high rise residential condo buildings. Fan coils may come in horizontal & vertical positions.

Who Is Responsible For Fan Coils In Condos?

 Fan Coil systems are typically the owner’s responsibility when it comes to emergency repair or replacement. To learn more about your condo responsibilities please contact your property manager or refer to condo bylaws.

Fan coil units are designed with 7 critical components.

  1. Fan Motor Assembly
  2. Coil
  3. Drain Pan
  4. Supply & Return Shut-Off Valves
  5. Control Board
  6. Thermostat
  7. Cabinet & Pipe Insulation

Although Fan Coil Units are independent systems in each apartment, they are still connected to the building boiler & chiller systems. Central HVAC systems in your building heat or cool water & distribute the water through a vertical riser pipe network to individual fan coil units.

Fan Coils units can be designed with 2 pipe or 4 pipe configurations. 2-pipe systems can only provide heating or cooling whereas 4-pipe fan coil units are equipped to provide both heating & cooling at any time of the year as long as central HVAC systems are activated. The majority of buildings in Toronto use 2 pipe fan coil units.

Fan Coil Replacement Toronto – Customer Review

★★★★★

Our former property manager recommended us with 2 HVAC companies but after seeing the high rating of Home Trade Standards on Google reviews and HomeStars, we decided to give HTS a call. Home Trade Standards was wonderful, and he was quick to answer our texts. The technician Mike did an amazing job installing 2 of our fan coil units. They were friendly, polite and knowledgeable. We are very pleased to receive excellent customer service from Home Trade Standards!!

Loc P.

Why Should I Replace My Fan Coil Unit?

Canadians spend 90% of their time indoors, especially during the winter season. Older fan coil units can negatively impact a healthy indoor air environment. Understanding the impacts of bad indoor air will allow condominium owners, managers, tenants & landlords to make the right decisions about older HVAC systems in your condo.

How Does Your Fan Coil Cause Serious Health & Safety Issues?

Older Fan Coils contain fiberglass insulation and when they become wet or moist from condensation, they provide an ideal environment for mould & spores to grow & multiply. Mould growth inside the fan coil cabinet will release airborne particles into the suite and when inhaled, the particles can result in long-term health problems such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, coughing, and severe allergy.

Questions About This Guide

Does an older fan coil automatically need replacement?

No. Inspection findings, repair history, corrosion, leaks and component condition should guide the choice between targeted repair and retrofit.

What should I compare in a fan coil retrofit proposal?

Check the supplied components, retained cabinet, controls, drainage, access requirements and written warranty. Ask how the proposal addresses the observed problems.

Qualifications & Industry Memberships

Our Qualifications

View the credentials and industry organizations displayed for Home Trade Standards.

Meet Home Trade Standards
TSSATechnical Standards & Safety Authority
Skilled Trades OntarioOntario Skilled Trades
WSIBWorkplace Safety & Insurance
HRAIHeating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute Of Canada
CCI Toronto & AreaCanadian Condominium Institute
ACMO Associate MemberAssociate Membership

Our Industry Network

Industry associations, public programs and resources for the communities we serve.