Cooling Systems Overview - Alternatives to Air Conditioning

Heatwaves in summer are becoming more extreme and longer. The nights are too humid and rob us of sleep. Cooling is needed! But does it have to be an air conditioner? Why not cool via the ceiling or wall? We show you the best alternatives to air conditioning.

Surface Cooling vs. Air Conditioning – the Differences

A surface cooling system, unlike an air conditioner, does not blow cold air into the room. It cools through radiation exchange via the wall or ceiling, keeping the room free from drafts and minimizing the risk of dust and bacteria. This means better quality of life, especially for allergy sufferers. A surface cooling system is silent and can therefore run at night. The healthy and room climate-friendly alternative is more energy-efficient than air conditioners. Those who cool via the ceiling or wall feel comfortable at around 26 °C in the room due to the radiation exchange.

Learn more about comfort

In comparison: When cooling with an air conditioner, the room temperature must be lowered to about 23 °C to achieve the same level of comfort. Every additional degree of room temperature saves ten percent in energy costs. Thus, it is possible to save up to 30 percent energy with a water-based surface cooling system. Ceiling or wall cooling also means more freedom for interior design: The surface cooling is invisibly installed in the ceiling and wall, allowing for more freedom in interior architecture.

Surface cooling via ceiling or wall

Anyone who wants to temper their rooms with surface cooling has various options:

Ceiling Cooling

The All-Rounder! The room can be cooled in summer via the ceiling. Thanks to radiation exchange, this happens free from drafts and noise. If the ceiling cooling is installed with a sound-absorbing surface, it additionally reduces noise – ideal for office spaces and public buildings. And the best part: In winter, the rooms can be heated with the same system. 

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Wall cooling

With wall cooling, the heat stays outside in the summer! Through radiation exchange, excess heat is removed from the body. People feel comfortable. Additionally, wall cooling saves up to 30% in energy costs compared to conventional air conditioning systems. The extra: The wall remains free and allows for creative design.

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Cooling over the floor

If you want to cool via the floor, you will encounter limitations with high heat loads. Since we are in direct contact with this surface, we react particularly sensitively to the temperature of these surfaces. If the floor is too cool, we perceive it as uncomfortable. 

How does cooling via ceiling and wall work?

Cooled water with a temperature of about 16 °C flows through the installed pipes and cools the surfaces. Humans release excess heat to the cooling ceiling or cooling wall through the environment. These absorb the heat and dissipate it. A pleasant climate is created in the room, which feels similar to being in the shade of a large tree.Conclusion: Unlike conventional air conditioning systems, surface cooling cools the body and not the air.  

Surface cooling renovation

As a drywall construction system, ceiling cooling or wall cooling can be retrofitted at any time. The ecologically tested gypsum fiber boards are screwed onto a substructure made of wood or metal. The joint adhesive at the edge connects the panels. The cooling pipes embedded in the back are connected to the cooling and heating circuit manifold. After that, it is spackled and painted - the cooling and heating ceiling is ready. The surface cooling in drywall construction is particularly suitable for listed buildings and rooms where the floor should be preserved. You want to retrofit surface cooling?

Cooling in summer – heating in winter.

Those who cool via wall or ceiling in the summer can heat rooms with the same system in the winter. The prerequisite for surface cooling and surface heating is the right energy generator: With a heat pump or a chiller, you can switch between cooling or heating with a click. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Surface Heating and Cooling

- No disruptive air conditioners on the walls.

- Free from drafts – does not stir up dust.

- Silent – can run at night.

- Pleasant room climate through radiation exchange.

- Temperature can be individually regulated in each room.

- Saves up to 30% on energy costs.

- Maintenance Free.

- 10 years Warranty.

- When comparing the acquisition costs with an air conditioning system, those of a cooling ceiling or cooling wall are higher. However, during operation, the energy costs of a water-based ceiling cooling system are up to 30% lower than the electricity costs of an air conditioning system. Thus, the surface heating and cooling pay off within a few years. With added comfort!

- The cooling surfaces of the wall should not be randomly obstructed with furniture, as this impairs the heating and cooling performance. Nevertheless, there is freedom in interior design. Hanging pictures on a cooling wall is not an issue, but one must proceed carefully and locate the aluminium multi-layer composite pipes beforehand with the pipe locator or the thermofoil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooled water with a temperature of about 16 °C flows through the installed pipes and cools the surfaces. Humans release excess heat to the cooling ceiling and cooling wall, which absorb and dissipate it.

As a drywall construction system, ceiling cooling and wall cooling can be retrofitted. The modular panels with the integrated cooling pipe are directly screwed to the substructure. This surface cooling system is also suitable for listed buildings and rooms where the floor should be preserved.

Those who cool via ceiling or wall enjoy many advantages of surface cooling. Thanks to radiation exchange, the room climate remains comfortable all year round. Surface cooling cools without drafts and does not stir up any dust. It operates silently and can therefore run at night.

If there is no surface cooling, air conditioning, or fan, we have compiled tips for cooling the rooms in summer for you:

1. Tip: keep cool with wet towels2. Tip: close windows3. Tip: darken rooms4. Tip: turn off electrical devices5. Tip: bring green plants into the apartment