SPC Forcefield Air Curtains Improve Comfort and Efficiency in Healthcare Environments

SPC is proud to be supporting another healthcare project in the North, working alongside Vaughan North West on the ongoing installation of our Forcefield Air Curtains at a local hospice.

This installation features a 1000mm recessed T-bar ambient unit, designed for seamless integration within the hospice’s ceiling grid. The system includes local control (on/off & speed change), as well as RS13R remote switches on a white plastic plate for convenient wall mounting. Additional components include an external mounting bracket (EMB), connection box (CCB), and surface mounting back box (BOX2S).

Each unit is powered by an ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor), offering high performance with low energy consumption, and finished in textured RAL 9010 white with black RAL 9005 grilles, ensuring a clean, modern look that fits perfectly into the healthcare environment.

Why Air Curtains Are Ideal for Healthcare Environments

In healthcare facilities, maintaining stable indoor conditions is essential for comfort, wellbeing, and infection control. Air curtains provide a controlled barrier between indoor and outdoor air, reducing heat loss, preventing draughts, and helping to maintain air quality.

By improving thermal comfort and reducing energy waste, Forcefield Air Curtains help create welcoming, efficient, and hygienic environments, not just in healthcare, but also in education, retail, commercial, and public sector buildings.

View our Air Curtain projects

Project challenges?

If you’re facing challenges in your project, we have the expertise and solutions to help.

Contact us today for expert advice: Call 0116 249 0044 or email spc@spc-hvac.co.uk


Renewables Overtake Coal – A Turning Point for Global Energy

For the first time, renewable energy has overtaken coal as the world’s largest source of electricity generation.

According to new data from the energy think tank Ember, growth in solar and wind power was so strong in the first half of 2025 that it met all of the additional global electricity demand, helping to reduce coal and gas use for the first time in decades.

Ember described this as a “crucial turning point”, one that signals real progress in the global shift towards cleaner, low-carbon energy.

Of course, the isn’t the same everywhere. Some regions are moving faster than others. China and India are leading the way with huge investments in renewables, while other nations, including the US and parts of Europe, are still facing challenges as older fossil-fuel infrastructure lingers.

But overall, the shift to renewables is improving and the and the pace of change is accelerating.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2rz08en2po
Source: https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-mid-year-insights-2025/

Helping Industries Adapt to a Changing Energy Landscape

At SPC, we see this transition happening every day. More projects are being designed around low-temperature, renewable, and hybrid heating systems, and the demand for reliable, energy-efficient equipment has never been higher.

That’s where our industrial product range comes in:

  • Industrial Radiant Panels – Delivering direct, comfortable warmth by heating people and surfaces rather than air, reducing wasted energy in large, open spaces such as warehouses and factories.
  • Industrial Air Curtains – Preventing warm air from escaping through open shutter doors and loading bays, helping to maintain indoor comfort and cut unnecessary heat loss.
  • Unit Heaters – Robust, high-performance heating units designed to integrate with renewable-ready systems, including those powered by heat pumps or district heating.

Each of these solutions plays a role in helping businesses reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency, and build resilience as energy systems evolve.

Looking Ahead

At SPC, we’re proud to be part of the progress, supporting the industries that keep the world moving as they embrace cleaner, more sustainable ways of working.

Want to learn more?

Our CIBSE-approved CPD covers decarbonisation, embodied carbon, and renewable and sustainable heating system design in detail. Contact Ben Sword to book your session today!

Ben Sword

Ben Sword

Sales Executive

Book your CPD with Ben

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Book Our Highly Popular Radiant Heating & Cooling CIBSE CPD

At SPC, we’re passionate about sharing our industry expertise and supporting the development of better building environments. Over the past few years, our Radiant Heating & Cooling CIBSE CPD has become one of our most popular sessions, offering valuable insight into the design, application, and performance of radiant panel systems.

Our team has delivered this CPD to designers, consultants, engineers, and architects across the UK, helping raise awareness of good design practices, real-world applications, and energy-efficient solutions for modern buildings.

Why Radiant Heating And Cooling?

Radiant panels provide an efficient and comfortable method of heating and cooling spaces by using radiant heating (similar to the warmth we feel from the sun) rather than air movement. This creates an even temperature distribution and a quieter, draught-free environment, ideal for workplaces, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings.

Because radiant panels operate effectively at low water temperatures, they pair perfectly with LTHW systems such as heat pumps. This makes them an excellent choice for projects focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation.

Learn From The Experts

With over 40 years of experience in manufacturing radiant heating and cooling panels, SPC is uniquely positioned to share in-depth technical knowledge and practical advice through our CIBSE-approved CPD programme.

Our aim is simple: to promote best practice, support low-carbon design, and help the industry move towards net zero.

When it comes to radiant heating and cooling, who better to learn from than the experts who make them?

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford – Angled wall mounted radiant panels

Cannock Chase High School, Staffordshire – Free-hanging radiant panels

Marlborough College, Wiltshire – Free-hanging radiant panels

How to Book

If you’d like to arrange a Radiant Heating & Cooling CPD for your team, get in touch with us:


Protecting HVAC Coils from Corrosion: Another Successful Site Survey in the South

SPC recently supported a valued customer with a frost HVAC coil survey at a government building in the South. The on-site photos clearly demonstrate the impact that corrosive air can have on unprotected HVAC coils, particularly when air is drawn directly through the AHU intake.

To prevent this kind of damage, coil protection is essential. At SPC, we use Blygold coating to safeguard coils from corrosion caused by coastal or industrial pollutants. This helps extend the life of heat exchangers in your HVAC equipment, improving performance and lowering maintenance costs.

Whether your project requires heating, cooling, steam, or DX coils, SPC provides durable, reliable HVAC coil solutions built to last.

Get In Touch Today

We’re proud to offer our customers the highest quality coil heat exchangers on the market. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

Click here to view our range of heating and cooling coils which come in three types defined by the medium for heat transfer: water, steam and refrigerant.


Keep Your Industrial Space Warm This Autumn and Winter with SPC iForce Industrial Air Curtains

As temperatures drop, warehouses, distribution centres, and other industrial spaces face a common challenge: large shutter doors constantly opening and closing allow cold air to rush in, making it harder and more expensive to maintain comfortable indoor conditions.

SPC iForce Industrial Air Curtains create a high-powered barrier of air across open doorways, helping you to:

  • Maintain indoor temperatures
  • Reduce energy costs
  • Protect staff comfort

Available in widths of 1.5m, 2.0m, and 2.5m and stackable to cover doorways up to 6m high, our air curtains offer a tailored solution for any space.

Choose Your Air Curtain Type

Ambient Units

These units provide a powerful stream of unheated air to prevent cold drafts entering your space. Ideal for warehouses or distribution centres where temperature control is already partially managed.

Electric Heating Element Units

Electric units add warmth to the air barrier, providing extra comfort in colder months. Perfect for environments where staff comfort is critical or where indoor temperatures need a boost.

Low-Pressure Hot Water (LPHW) Coil Units

These units connect to your building’s hot water system to deliver a consistent, energy-efficient warm air curtain. Ideal for spaces with existing heating infrastructure or low-temperature heat pump systems.

Why Choose SPC iForce Industrial Air Curtains?

  • Wide coverage for large industrial doorways
  • Stackable to reach up to 6m high
  • Tailored solutions for different site needs and heating requirements


Commercial Applications? Meet Our Forcefield Air Curtains

While iForce Industrial Air Curtains are ideal for industrial spaces, our Forcefield Air Curtains are designed for commercial environments such as shopping centres, office buildings, schools, and hospitals. They offer the same energy-saving and comfort benefits, perfect for main entrances and public areas where controlling the indoor environment is just as important.

SPC AIRDOR Forcefield Air Curtains - Claverham Community College

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Need help specifying the right air curtain for your space? Get in touch with our team today for advice and support on product selection and installation.

Learn more about SPC’s Air Curtains and how they can transform your doorway:

SPC AIRDOR Forcefield Air Curtains - Claverham Community College
SPC AIRDOR Forcefield Air Curtains - Claverham Community College

Get Ready for Colder Days: Protect Your HVAC Coils Before the First Freeze

Although it may still feel like summer, colder days are on the way. When temperatures across the UK suddenly drop, often well below freezing in late autumn, HVAC coils can be at risk.

As water inside a coil freezes, it expands by around 9%, creating pressure that can crack or split the tubes. The result? Costly leaks, system downtime and unexpected repair bills.

Why Coils Burst When Temperatures Plunge

When water freezes, the expansion inside the coil exerts enough force to rupture tubes or joints. This kind of damage can happen quickly during a sudden cold snap and often goes unnoticed until the system fails.

SPC’s Solution for Burst or Damaged Coils

If you experience coil failure this winter, SPC can help you get your system back up and running with minimal disruption:

Plan Ahead Before Temperatures Fall

The first frosts can arrive sooner than expected. Planning ahead now, while the weather is still mild, helps avoid costly interruptions later in the season.

📞 Call us today at 0116 249 0044
📧 Email us at spc@spc-hvac.co.uk for expert advice or to arrange a replacement coil survey.


Expert Heating & Cooling Solutions from SPC

Not sure which HVAC system is best for your next project? Our experienced Sales Engineers at SPC are here to guide you.

With over 50 years of expertise, SPC is a trusted British HVAC manufacturer, based in Leicester, known for delivering high-quality, energy-efficient products.

Perfect for low water temperature systems such as heat pumps, our solutions support decarbonisation, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Our product range includes:

Heating and cooling coils

Custom-built to transfer heat or cool air efficiently, ideal for air handling units (AHUs), ducted systems and bespoke HVAC projects.

Radiant heating and cooling panels

These ceiling-mounted, free-hanging or wall-mounted panels provide silent, draught-free comfort in offices, healthcare facilities and education environments.

Fan Convectors

Powerful yet compact, these units deliver fast, responsive heat, perfect for schools, places of education, places of worship, offices and public buildings

Trench heating and cooling systems

Discreet low-level heating and cooling, ideal for areas with large glazed façades such as offices, showrooms, reception areas and residential developments

SPC AIRDOR Forcefield Air Curtains - Claverham Community College

Air curtains

Energy-saving entrance solutions, maintaining indoor comfort in retail stores, supermarkets, hotels and other busy public entrances.

CiRRUS Unit Heaters - Factory & Workshop Project

Unit Heaters

Robust and versatile, providing efficient heating for warehouses, factories and other large commercial and industrial spaces

Why Work With SPC?

At SPC, we pride ourselves on delivering bespoke services and end-to-end project support, ensuring every installation meets your specific requirements.

Whether you’re an installer, contractor, consultant, merchant, or architect, SPC is here to make your job easier – contact us by filling in the form below:


Keep Your School Warm and Energy-Efficient This Autumn Half-Term with Fan Convectors

The autumn half-term is the ideal time to check your school heating is ready for winter. Upgrading or maintaining your Fan Convectors while pupils and staff are away avoids lesson disruption and ensures a warm, safe environment on their return.

Why Choose SPC’s Belgravia Fan Convectors?

Flexible Mounting Options

Our Fan Convector units can be installed in a variety of ways, low-level, ceiling-mounted or high-level wall-mounted, making them ideal for classrooms, offices and other busy school spaces.

A Finish to Suit Your Interiors

Belgravia Fan Convectors are available in a range of casing styles to blend seamlessly with different interiors. We can even customise your Fan Convectors in any RAL colour to suit your space. For example, black Fan Convectors are perfect for drama studios or performance areas.

Energy-Efficient Performance

Fitted with energy-efficient EC/DC motors, SPC’s Fan Convector units significantly reduce energy consumption and lower running costs, helping schools meet sustainability targets and cut heating bills year after year.

Safe for Vulnerable Occupants

Safety is a top priority in any school heating system. Our Low Surface Temperature (LST) Fan Convectors keep outer surfaces below 43°C, in line with NHS guidance, making them suitable for areas used by children and vulnerable people.

Advanced Control Options

For even greater efficiency, pair your LTHW heating system with our Modulo proportional controller. This provides precise airside control, automatic fan speed adjustments, and optional on/off water valve control, ensuring optimum comfort without wasting energy.

Why Plan Maintenance or Upgrades During Half-Term?

Scheduling upgrades or maintenance during the half-term break minimises disruption. Whether you’re replacing old school heating equipment or preparing for the colder months, half-term is the perfect opportunity to ensure your building is warm, safe and energy-efficient before winter fully sets in.

Get Ready Before the Cold Weather Arrives

Contact our team today to discuss your school heating needs, arrange a site visit or place an order for Fan Convectors.

Email: spc@spc-hvac.co.uk
Call: 0116 249 0044

Or contact us below to discuss your project.

Our team will respond to your message as promptly as possible. SPC does not share your data with third parties. To view our privacy policy please click here.


SPC HVAC Solutions: AHU Burst Coil Replacement Made Easy

At the beginning of the year, our Area Sales Manager, Chris Ward, was called in to carry out a site survey after a customer’s AHU HVAC coils had burst in the freezing weather.

Following Chris’s detailed survey, the HVAC coil specifications were passed on to our internal sales team, who quickly provided a quotation. Once the order was confirmed, the new HVAC coils were fabricated, manufactured, and delivered directly to site.

With the replacement HVAC coils installed, the AHU was back in operation, leaving our customer very satisfied.

This is just one example of how SPC responds quickly and effectively when things don’t go to plan. For advice on preventing HVAC coil damage in freezing conditions, check out our previous post.

Note: When designing replacement HVAC coils not originally manufactured by SPC, we make every effort to match the existing dimensions as closely as possible to minimise rework on site.

Site Survey

Post Installation

About SPC and Coil Replacements

SPC has been designing and manufacturing heating and cooling HVAC coils for over 30 years, providing solutions for water, steam, and refrigerant systems, as well as electric heater batteries.

We offer a HVAC coil replacement service for existing air handling units and ducted systems, helping extend the life of equipment while minimising on-site rework.

As a British manufacturer with over 50 years in the HVAC industry, all our products are made in-house at our ISO 9001:2015-certified facility, ensuring quality and reliability. With technical expertise, BIM objects, and self-selection software, SPC supports customers from design to delivery.

To assist you with your inquiry, please provide your contact details and a brief description of your request in the form below. Our team will respond to your message as promptly as possible.

SPC does not share your data with third parties. To view our privacy policy please click here.


Vertical vs Horizontal Air Curtains – Which is Right for You?

Air Curtains are a proven way to protect your building from heat loss, reduce energy costs, and maintain comfortable conditions for occupants. At SPC, our industrial Air Curtains are designed for heavy commercial and industrial applications, with the power to protect doorways up to 6m high.

But when it comes to installation, should you choose a horizontal or a vertical Air Curtain? The answer depends on your building layout, doorway size, and the type of activity around the opening.

Horizontal Air Curtains

A horizontal Air Curtain is mounted above the doorway and blows air down towards the floor. This is the most common type of installation.

Vertical Air Curtains

Vertical Air Curtains are installed on one or both sides of a doorway, blowing air horizontally across the opening. Units can be stacked on top of one another.

When Horizontal Units May Not Be Ideal

  • Very tall openings – Air velocity reduces with distance, so effectiveness drops on high, narrow doors.
  • Limited headroom – If there isn’t enough space above the doorway, installation may not be possible.
  • Risk of damage – In busy industrial environments with tall vehicles, overhead units may be at risk of impact.

When Vertical Units May Not Be Ideal

  • Takes up floor space – Units occupy space on one or both sides of the doorway, which may not suit busy industrial areas.
  • Less discreet – More visible than recessed horizontal installations.
  • Vulnerable to impact – In industrial settings, vertical units may require protective barriers against vehicles.

Benefits of Horizontal Air Curtains

  • Most versatile option – Suitable for a wide range of industrial and heavy commercial entrances.
  • Space-saving – Fitted above the door, leaving valuable floor space free for equipment, vehicles, or safety barriers.
  • Aesthetically discreet – Can be recessed into ceilings for a cleaner finish where appearance is important.
  • Ideal for wide openings – Multiple horizontal units can be installed side by side to cover long doorways.

Benefits of Vertical Air Curtains

  • Perfect for tall openings – Effective for warehouse doors, hangars, or industrial entrances where height is an issue.
  • No overhead space required – A great solution if there’s not enough clearance above the doorway.
  • Scalable performance – Can be stacked for greater height coverage, or paired on both sides for a stronger air seal.
  • Special applications – Useful for sealing around obstructions, such as parked vehicles or swing doors.

Choosing the Right Solution

The decision between horizontal and vertical Air Curtains comes down to a balance of space, practicality, and performance:

  • Choose Horizontal if your doorway is standard height, you need to save floor space, or you want a discreet installation.
  • Choose Vertical if your doorway is tall or narrow, you lack headroom above, or you need additional flexibility for industrial applications.

With options for ambient, electric, or LPHW heating (including coils optimised for heat pumps), SPC’s Air Curtains provide reliable performance and energy savings in every environment.

Get in Touch:

Explore our range of Air Curtain products to find the perfect solution for your specific needs. Our expert team is here to help you select and install the best Air Curtain for your space.

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