Converting the Microchannel Coil in the Carrier® AquaSnap® Chiller: Improve performance and reliability

When it comes to replacing commercial condenser coils, the Carrier AquaSnap chiller is often at the top of the list. Accompanying the replacement of its original microchannel coil is the option to convert it to a traditional copper tube and aluminum fin coil. For over a decade, microchannel coils have become standard in the air conditioning industry, not only in Carrier units but across most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These coils are favored for their affordability and reduced refrigerant footprint, but they come with notable downsides.

The Challenges of Microchannel Coils

Microchannel coils resemble the lint trap in your dryer—they accumulate dirt quickly. Without regular maintenance, the system’s head pressure can lead to operational problems. Furthermore, precise refrigerant charging is crucial for these coils due to their minimal refrigerant volume. Repairing an all-aluminum microchannel coil is also challenging, often requiring specialized techniques like epoxy bonding or torch soldering. During repairs, aluminum becomes particularly susceptible to environmental factors, and leaks at the copper-aluminum junctions are common.

Switching Gears: Transitioning to Copper Tube, Aluminum Fin Coils

Enter the high-quality copper tube and aluminum fin coil—a microchannel conversion that enhances both the performance and reliability of your Carrier AquaSnap chiller. This upgrade offers numerous advantages:

• Increased Durability: Copper tube coils are more robust and less prone to damage.
• Easier Maintenance: Unlike microchannel coils, these coils are simpler to repair and maintain, reducing downtime.
• System Pump-Down Capability: Copper tube coils allow for system pump-down, meaning compressors can move refrigerant into the condenser coils during repairs. This eliminates the need to recover refrigerant from the entire system, saving both time and money.
• Cost Efficiency: Over time, copper tube coils reduce repair costs and minimize losses from refrigerant leaks.

Finishing the Conversion

When replacing microchannel condenser coils with copper tube coils, completing the circuit is essential. For instance, if your unit has eight microchannel coils arranged in two circuits of four each, and only one coil in a circuit fails, you’ll need to replace all four coils in that circuit. This is because copper tube coils use more refrigerant per circuit, and mixing them with microchannel coils could cause operational issues due to differing pressure drops. Properly completing the circuit ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Masters of Microchannel Conversion

While the Carrier AquaSnap chiller is among the most popular units requiring microchannel conversion, this upgrade is available for nearly every major commercial HVAC brand. Over the years, Nationwide Coils has completed thousands of such conversions, earning us the title of “Masters of Microchannel Conversion.” If you’re considering this advantageous upgrade, contact our experts today. Simply provide the unit’s make and model number, and we’ll guide you through the process. Call 1.888.CoilPro or email us anytime—we’re here to help!