They are fan coils. Like other mechanical systems, they can consume a fair share of energy - perhaps more so than other types of equipment, because they tend not to get as much maintenance as larger products, such as chillers. And you see them everywhere, from hospitals and hotels to university dorms and individual offices.
"While institutions are generally aggressive in pursuing central plant energy efficiency, fan coils are frequently overlooked as a potential source of savings," said Charlie Putz of Carrier Corp.