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School buildings are used differently from most commercial spaces. Classrooms may be unoccupied one period and full the next, meaning heating systems need to respond quickly without running continuously.

Fan convectors are well suited to this pattern of use. By delivering heat rapidly and distributing it evenly, they help classrooms reach comfortable temperatures when needed, without unnecessary energy consumption during quieter periods.

As part of wider sustainability targets, many schools are moving away from traditional high-temperature heating systems and towards heat pumps and low-temperature water systems.

Standard radiators are often less effective in these applications, requiring higher flow temperatures to deliver sufficient output. SPC Fan Convectors are designed to perform efficiently at lower water temperatures, making them a practical option for both new-build schools and refurbishment projects where heat pumps are being introduced.

This allows schools to reduce energy use and carbon emissions while maintaining reliable heating performance.

Classroom space is valuable. Large radiators can limit wall space for displays, furniture and storage, particularly in primary schools and flexible learning environments.

Fan Convectors provide high heat output from a compact unit, freeing up space and offering greater flexibility in room layouts. With a range of mounting options available, they can be integrated into classrooms without impacting how the space is used.

Fan convectors are being specified more frequently in schools because they offer a balance of performance, efficiency and control.

Key benefits include:

• Fast warm-up times, ideal for short occupancy periods
• Even air circulation for consistent temperatures throughout the room
• Compatibility with heat pumps and low-temperature systems
• Compact designs that reduce visual impact and free up space

Modern control options also allow temperatures to be managed effectively, helping schools avoid overheating and unnecessary energy use.

Safety is a key consideration in school environments. Low Surface Temperature (LST) Fan Convectors are available to ensure external surfaces remain cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns in busy classrooms and circulation areas.

SPC Fan Convectors are also designed for long service life, with robust construction and easy access for routine maintenance. Filters and components can be accessed quickly, helping minimise disruption to teaching and learning.

Every school building is different. Whether working on a modern new-build or upgrading an older property, heating systems need to adapt to existing constraints.

SPC Fan Convectors can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or recessed, making them suitable for a wide range of education buildings, from primary schools to colleges and universities.

SPC works closely with consultants, contractors and estates teams to support school heating projects at every stage. From early-stage design advice to product selection and installation support, our focus is on delivering solutions that meet performance, safety and sustainability requirements.

If you’re planning a new school build or upgrading heating as part of a decarbonisation project, our team can help you select the right Fan Convector solution for your application.

Belgravia Fan Convectors are a proven and trusted heating solution for educational environments across the UK. Designed with safety, durability and efficiency in mind, they are ideally suited to the demands of modern schools, colleges and universities.

Spring half-term provides a valuable opportunity to install, upgrade, or replace Fan Convectors in schools and other occupied buildings. With reduced occupancy and improved access, works can be carried out efficiently while minimising disruption to daily activities.

For many estates and facilities teams, spring half-term is an ideal time to address comfort issues, ageing equipment, or planned refurbishment works, ensuring systems are ready for the remainder of the heating season and beyond.

Effective planning is essential when working within a half-term timeframe.

Key considerations include:

• Lead times for manufacture and delivery
• Early specification and approvals, particularly in education settings
• Coordination with school calendars and contractors
• Budget sign-off and procurement processes

Engaging early helps ensure works can be completed within the available window.

SPC supports projects from initial enquiry through to commissioning, offering:

• Technical and specification advice
• Site surveys and on site support
• Installation and commissioning support
• Training for facilities and maintenance teams

Our team works closely with consultants, contractors, and estates teams to deliver reliable, compliant solutions.

Half-term is an ideal time to carry out planned Fan Convector installations with minimal disruption. Contact our team for specification support and technical advice.

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

SPC’s CIBSE-approved CPD programme is built on practical experience, not just theory.

For over 50 years, SPC has been designing and manufacturing HVAC products for commercial buildings across the UK. That experience sits at the heart of every CPD we deliver, giving building services professionals the opportunity to learn directly from the people who design, develop, and manufacture the systems used on site.

Our CPDs are well received nationwide, with many architects, consultants, and contractors choosing to return and attend multiple SPC sessions.

During periods of cold weather, HVAC systems face increased strain — and one of the most common winter issues is freeze damage to coil heat exchangers.

When water inside a coil is exposed to freezing temperatures, it expands as it turns to ice. Unlike air, water increases in volume when frozen, exerting pressure from the inside out. This expansion places significant stress on the pipework, particularly at the u-bends or return bends, where pressure concentrates and can exceed the strength of the tubing.

Unlike frost forming on an outdoor unit’s surface, freeze damage in water-based coils comes from internal expansion. Even with circulating water, stagnant areas or low flow can allow pockets of fluid to drop below freezing. In many cases, this pressure causes the u-bend to crack or burst, leading to leaks, loss of system performance, and potential damage to surrounding equipment.

Freeze damage is not always immediately visible. Systems may continue to operate until symptoms such as worsening leaks, decreased performance, or complete system shutdown occur — resulting in unexpected downtime and costly repairs.

Identifying freeze damage early is essential to prevent further system issues. A damaged coil can reduce heat transfer efficiency, increase running costs, and compromise overall system reliability.

Whilst some preventative strategies — such as maintaining circulation, checking insulation, or using appropriate antifreeze concentrations — can help reduce risk in certain systems, real-world conditions and installation variables mean that freeze events still occur, particularly in poorly drained or neglected systems.

At SPC, we have over 50 years of experience designing and manufacturing high-quality coil heat exchangers. We support customers who’ve experienced coil failure due to freezing conditions with specialist site surveys and bespoke replacement solutions.

Our coil replacement site surveys are carried out by experienced specialists who assess the condition of the existing coil and the surrounding system, identifying damage and any factors that may have contributed to it.

Our team carefully measures and designs replacement coils to match existing units — including coils not originally manufactured by SPC. Each replacement coil is engineered to meet the specific requirements of the application. This precision helps to:

• Minimise on-site rework and installation modifications
• Reduce installation time and downtime
• Restore and improve system performance
• Lower long-term running costs

If your system has been exposed to freezing temperatures or you suspect coil damage, SPC’s experienced team can assist with a detailed assessment and replacement solution tailored to your installation.
📞 Call us today at 0116 249 0044
📧 Email us at spc@spc-hvac.co.uk

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.