The best heat emitters for low water temperature systems are those that deliver full design output at the lower flow temperatures heat pumps and condensing boilers run most efficiently on. Low water temperature heat emitters from S & P Coil Products Limited (SPC) include fan convectors with enhanced or low flow coils, radiant panels, unit heaters and trench heating, alongside bespoke heating and cooling coils. SPC is a British manufacturer based in Leicester, with over 50 years of experience and ISO 9001:2015 certification. Talk to our team about your project.
Why do heat emitters matter when you move to low water temperatures?
Lower water temperatures help heat pumps and condensing boilers work efficiently, but they also reduce the output of a traditional emitter. Heat pump systems typically operate at around 45 to 50°C, and at these temperatures natural convection falls away, which is why fan-assisted emitters and larger heat exchange surfaces are often specified. The emitter is part of the efficiency strategy, not an afterthought.
For design guidance on heat pumps in commercial buildings, see CIBSE AM17: Heat pump installations for large non-domestic buildings. For wider context, read our post on embracing a low-carbon heating future.
Which SPC emitters suit low water temperature systems?
Belgravia Fan Convectors
Belgravia Fan Convectors work with heat pump and low temperature hot water (LTHW) systems when specified with the right coil. Enhanced and low flow coil options maintain output at reduced water temperatures. The Active LST control option limits surface temperatures to 43°C, which suits schools and healthcare settings, and Tilevector units are designed for suspended ceiling grids.
Radiant Heating and Cooling Panels
Radiant Heating and Cooling Panels warm people and surfaces directly and operate silently. They work effectively with heat pumps and LTHW systems, and free-hanging and wall-mounted panels can also provide cooling with chilled water. Tell us your design flow temperature and we’ll confirm the right panel.
Heating and Cooling Coils
Heating and Cooling Coils are made to order for your design temperatures, in water, steam and refrigerant types, alongside runaround coils and electric heater batteries. Our free online coil selection software (registration required) helps you specify, and we offer a coil replacement service for existing air handling units and ducted systems.
CiRRUS Unit Heaters
CiRRUS Unit Heaters suit industrial and commercial spaces such as warehouses, factories and workshops. They use EC motor-driven axial fans with 0-10V control, and optional enhanced depth coils (3 or 4 tube rows) support low water temperature operation.
Trench Heating and Cooling
Trench Heating and Cooling is available in natural convection, fan-assisted and electric versions, with 2-pipe or 4-pipe configurations on the Powered and Metropolitan HC ranges for combined heating and cooling. It is well suited to offices, showrooms and residential developments with large areas of glazing.
Air Curtains
Air Curtains are not heat emitters for the space, but they cut heat loss at doorways and openings and so reduce demand on the whole system. Heated versions are available with low-pressure hot water (LPHW) or electric heat exchangers. If you may need heating in future, specify a heated version at the outset, as ambient units cannot be upgraded later.
What should you tell us when you ask for emitter selection?
Sending these details speeds up a recommendation:
- Design flow and return temperatures
- Required output or room heat loss
- Room type and ceiling height
- Preferred mounting (wall, ceiling, floor or trench)
- Control requirements, such as BMS or standalone
Send them to spc@spc-hvac.co.uk or use the enquiry form below.
Where can you learn more?
- Our CIBSE approved Decarbonisation of Industrial and Commercial Heating Systems CPD covers how heat pumps interact with low temperature emitters and embodied carbon assessment under TM65. Sessions can be delivered at your office or virtually.
- Download Active BIM objects for your Revit models.
- Register for our free online selection software to select products for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Emitters specified for lower water temperatures can run on a conventional boiler today and are ready for a move to a heat pump later. Send us your current and future design temperatures and we’ll check the selection.
It depends on your design flow temperature and heat loss. Lower water temperatures reduce output per unit, so enhanced or low flow coils, fan assistance or more emitters may be needed. Send us your figures and we’ll advise.
It depends on the space. Belgravia fan convectors with Active LST suit areas where surface temperature safety is a requirement, Tilevector units suit rooms with suspended ceilings, and Sportsline radiant panels are designed for sports halls. Tell us about the building and we’ll recommend the right mix.
Yes. Our team supports selection and specification, usually remotely, and every project is quoted individually.
Ready to specify for low water temperatures?
Send us your project details and the SPC team will help you select the right emitters for your design temperatures. You can also call 0116 249 0044 or email spc@spc-hvac.co.uk.
Product information and literature were correct at the time of publishing. For the latest brochures, IOMs and data sheets, visit our Literature page.