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How to Tell When Your HVAC System Needs to have the Coils Replaced

How to Tell When Your HVAC System Needs to have the Coils Replaced

by | Feb 23, 2020 | Coils

Don’t let them fail! Here’s your HVAC coil replacement guide

The coils in an HVAC system are some of the most important parts of your air handling system, which is why a proper HVAC coil replacement is essential to keeping that system running. The HVAC coil is an essential component that your system just can’t run without. If you suffer from an HVAC coil failure and your coil springs a leak—or worse, it ruptures—you have a huge problem on your hands. Damaged coils can cause massive losses of product, degrade air quality, and lead to extensive water damage.

So don’t let your coil break, and make sure to stay as up-to-date as possible on your repairs. A good inspection and repair schedule can extend the life of your HVAC coils by many years. But the truth of the matter is that HVAC coils have a life expectancy and even with the best care eventually require replacement.

So how can you tell when you need to repair vs replace? Look for the signs listed below for a rough idea of when you should have your HVAC coils replaced.

Signs That Show Your System Needs HVAC Coil Replacement

If you take good care of your HVAC coils, they will last a long time. But eventually, everyone will need an HVAC coil replacement. Here are a few signs that you should replace HVAC coils instead of spending your money on the HVAC coil leak repair cost.

  • Is there oil residue in the condensate drain pan tray? If there is a leak in your system, the fluid or refrigerant may be leaking out, which causes a drop in performance. The refrigerant looks like a dark oil, and if you see it in the tray, then there’s probably a leak. A leaking HVAC coil should be replaced before it causes further damage.
  • Do you need to replace fluids or refrigerant often? If you feel like your system is always low on fluid or refrigerant and you find yourself replacing it often, it might mean that you have a leak. A perfect system has no leaks and should rarely need replacement. Most systems aren’t perfect, but you still shouldn’t need to add fluids or refrigerants every few weeks. If you find yourself performing maintenance more than you should have to, you may have a leak. Check for a leak or call a professional to do it for you.
  • Can you spot an actual leak? Sometimes a leak in the coil will be obvious (like a freeze-induced rupture), but sometimes it will not be. Just like a bicycle tire, you can find a leak in an HVAC coil by smearing soap on a suspicious spot and watching for tiny bubbles. If you do find a leak, don’t let the air conditioner coil replacement cost prevent you from replacing the coil before it gets out of hand.

If you find a leak in your system, call a professional. Not every leaky coil needs to be replaced: some of them can be repaired with a leak seal treatment or by brazing the hole. A professional can help you make the best decision for your air handling system and your building as a whole. Give Cooney Coil a call or get in touch today to find out how we can help.

HVAC Coil Replacements

At Cooney Coil & Energy, we know the critical role that efficient, reliable coils play in your commercial and industrial HVAC systems. Old, worn-out coils can decrease your system’s efficiency, increase energy costs, and even lead to system failure.

That’s why we’re proud to specialize in top-tier replacement HVAC coils, designed to meet all types of requirements and sizes. Our coils aren’t just replacements; they’re upgrades – built to ensure your HVAC system runs at peak efficiency for years to come.

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5 Ways to Prepare for Heating Season

5 Ways to Prepare for Heating Season

by | Sep 30, 2019 | Coils

The summer has come and gone, is your HVAC system ready for heating season?

Winter is coming. Get ready with our 5 quick tips to prepare your facility.

Air FilterReplace Filters

Dirty filters cause a reduction in airflow. This makes your HVAC unit work harder leading to higher operating costs. Replacing your filters on a PM schedule will help keep your coils free from debris, making them more efficient.

Coil Leak Test

Before starting up a coil this season, test it for leaks. Some leaks may be easy to spot, like a split from a freeze-damaged coil. Others may be too small to see. There are several tests you can perform on a coil to test for leaks. The easiest test is the soap test:

  1. Apply soap solution
  2. Watch for bubbles

The formation of bubbles indicates a leak. Address any leaks before they get out of hand and replace coils when necessary to ensure reliability throughout the colder months.

Test Isolation and Control Valves

Valves are used to isolate areas of piping, control both fluid and steam flow, and regulate pressures. Systems are designed to operate at certain parameters. If a valve fails or leaks, those limits could exceed design setpoints for equipment in the system. When a control valve is not operating properly, the equipment it serves (coils, heat exchangers, etc.) will not perform as intended. As heating season nears, you should double-check the operation of all valves in the system.

Vent Air from Coils

Drain Port HVAC COil

Air is the world’s best insulator, which is why double-pane windows have a thin layer of air in between the two panes of glass. If there is air inside of a coil or heat exchanger, the heat will not transfer at the same rate. This could result in cold spots, air stratification and/or drop in efficiency.

To remove all air from a coil, make sure to remove the plug from the air vent (typically found near the top of the header of the leaving fluid side) and fill the coil slowly from the lower connection. This will force the air up and out of the air vent.

Replace Broken/Damaged Coils

If your coils are broken or damaged replace them before winter is upon us. Swapping out old inefficient coils will ensure your facility stays warm all winter. When ordering new coils, add Freeze Block Technology to protect your coils from potential freeze damage. You’ll have peace all winter long, knowing your coils are guaranteed by the industry’s best warranty – 30-month protection from freeze damage. Make it a Smart Coil and receive a warning when a freezing event occurs and extend your warranty to 48-months.

 

No matter what type of facility or heating application you have, Cooney Coil can help! We offer:

  • Free Troubleshooting
  • Engineering Support
  • Expedite Options
  • Selection Experts – to help you achieve the best performance

Call us at 610.783.1136 for any of your commercial or industrial HVAC needs this heating season!

How to Select the Best Heat Exchanger For Your Brewery

How to Select the Best Heat Exchanger For Your Brewery

by | Jul 30, 2019 | Heat Exchangers

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With the current boom of craft breweries in the United States, there has never been more variety in the marketplace. You can find anything from a simple light lager to an IPA that tastes like your favorite childhood marshmallow cereal. This wide variety of beer and various sizes of breweries means cooling equipment must be tailor-made to meet individual brewery needs.

Advancement in Heat Exchange Technology

Did you know that the craft of brewing beer is over 1000 years old and dates back to the Egyptians? Before modern-day heat exchangers or wort chillers existed wort was cooled in a coolship or a large shallow vessel that must be stirred throughout a whole night. Advancements in technology have cut cooling time significantly. A high-end heat exchanger can cool the wort down in less than 45 minutes. Heat exchangers can also do a lot to improve quality, production, and efficiency at your brewery.

Maintaining Tight Temperature Control

temperature control

Brewing can be complex and requires tight temperature control throughout the process. If the wort is not cooled quickly, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) can continue to produce, resulting in a tainted flavor. The formation of bacteria is another concern when it comes to flavoring and sanitation of the beer. With an effective heat exchanger, rapid heating and cooling will reduce bacteria and contaminants preventing alteration of the brews one-of-a-kind taste.

The quick cooling of wort not only helps to produce a better tasting product but helps increase production. When a heat exchanger is properly sized, the wort can be ready for fermentation in less than 45 minutes. Quicker cooling, faster brew, and increased production potential.

The key to an efficient brewery is recovering the water used in the brewing process. After cooling takes place hot water exits the heat exchanger. If this water is recovered it can be reused to heat cool water entering the building which can increase energy and water savings.

What Type of Heat Exchanger is Best For My Brewery?

With so many benefits, upgrading your brewery’s heat exchanger can pay for itself in less than a year. So where should you begin when selecting a heat exchanger? First, there are a few types to consider:

//Plate & Frame

  • Utilizes metal plates to transfer heat between two fluids
  • Suitable for fluid

//Shell & Coil

  • Tube bundle consists of closely pact layers of helically corrugated tubes layered in a crisscross pattern
  • Fluid flows through the tubes while another fluid flows through the shell and the heat exchange occurs through the tube walls
  • Suitable for steam or fluid

//Shell & Tube

  • Commonly known as “counterflow”
  • Consist of a shell with a bundle of tubes inside
  • Fluid flows through the tubes while another fluid flows through the shell and the heat exchange occurs through the tube walls
  • Suitable for steam or fluid

Heat Exchangers - Breweries JAD A-Line Cobrex

The A-Line plate & frame systems from AIC offer a reliable cost-effective way of attaining heat transfer. Double-walled options are available to avoid cross-contamination in the case of a failure. The A-Line units can also be disassembled to adjust plates and clean. Note that these units do require floor space and that should be considered when selecting a heat exchanger.

Shell & Coil, more specifically JAD systems are constructed of welded 316L stainless steel which makes them durable and ideal for sanitary applications. The shell & coil’s tube design allows for a high heat transfer area in a small space. The vertical design and angled connections are perfect for breweries needing heat exchange in tight spaces. These units are easy to clean in place and offer the benefit of less maintenance because the larger gaps are less prone to fouling and there are no gaskets.

If your process requires copper equipment for specialized brew taste, the Cobrex shell & tube heat exchanger is for you. Doubled walled copper construction avoids cross-contamination. These units are also easy to clean in place and resistant to fouling. The Cobrex, like the JAD, features a vertical design for a small footprint.

From Nano-Breweries to Commercial Brewhouses Cooney Coil can Help!

Every project and each brew remain unique. If you’re a small single-batch brewery or a large commercial facility, we can help! Having a dedicated Cooney Coil specialist that can outline equipment capabilities will help you achieve the best performance and efficiency as possible. If you aren’t sure what model is best for you, we’d love to come to perform a site visit where we will evaluate energy consumption, process bottlenecks, and space-saving opportunities.

Contact us at 610-783-1136 to schedule a site visit or request a quote below!

 

HVAC Tube Bundle Maintenance

HVAC Tube Bundle Maintenance

by | Jun 25, 2019 | Heat Exchangers

Tube bundles are an essential part of the HVAC and hydronic system of a commercial facility. They are the heating elements that exchange and transfer energy in the form of heat into the water that is then typically used for either building heat or domestic hot water requirements. Without this critical component, the system wouldn’t work at all—which is why it’s such a big problem if it fails.

It’s important to make sure that your tube bundles are in good working condition if you want to keep the system functioning at optimal levels. If the HVAC tube bundle ruptures or springs a leak, hard water may enter your condensate return system and damage your boiler, or steam could migrate into your hydronic system and create a dangerous environment to the domestic and/or heating systems. Here are a few things to look for if you’re unsure about how to check your tube bundles for damage.

Signs of Deterioration in Your Tube Bundles

It’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance for your heat exchangers. If you’re not comfortable inspecting the tube bundle yourself, get a proffessional to help you out. Otherwise, we recommend looking for these signs which indicate that you may need some repairs:
Tube Bundle

  • Corrosion on the tubes: Most tube bundles are made from conductive metals, such as copper. On these metals, corrosion usually appears as a slimy or flaky green/brown tint. Over time, your tubes will likely corrode a small amount as they are exposed to the water/steam moving through the system. A little corrosion is nothing to worry about. However, corrosion weakens the metal and can eventually cause it to break or release tiny particles of oxidized metal into the fluid running through your tube. So, if you see a lot of corrosion, call a professional.
  • Air and dirt in the system: No matter how well-crafted a tube bundle is, it will experience wear and tear that may degrade it. These contaminants can be hard to spot because they are behind the opaque surface of the tube. Look for dirt buildup at the base of the tubes where they meet with the tube sheets and baffles. If there is significant dirt buildup there, especially if it is slimy or pitted, call a professional. Leaking tube bundles can cause additional problems for your domestic water and heating system.
  • Pinhole leaks: Sometimes, a leak in your system won’t be visible to the naked eye. If you see the hard water showing up in your condensate return to your boiler, you may have a leak. Isolate the suspect heat exchanger from the steam supply and then open the water valve while also opening the condensate wye strainer drain. If the water begins to flow out of the strainer, you know you’ve got a failed tube bundle. This problem can be disastrous if left unattended. Allowing failed tube bundles to leak into your system can be very dangerous, especially if hard water makes it back to your boiler and is left unaddressed for a prolonged period of time.

You don’t have to shoulder the burden of checking your tube bundles for leaks alone. Call the professionals at Cooney Coil & Energy if you need assistance with diagnosing the problem and finding the right parts for repair or replacement tube bundles.

Get a Quote on a Replacement Tube Bundle

Need to replace a tube bundle? Cooney Coil  & Energy has several tube bundles in stock for same-day replacement delivery in the greater Philadelphia, PA, NJ, &  DE area. Give us a call at 610-783-1136 or place a quote online.

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What Sets Us Apart From Industrial HVAC Suppliers?

What Sets Us Apart From Industrial HVAC Suppliers?

by | May 30, 2019 | Blog

This is why Cooney Coil & Energy is unlike any other company.

Make no mistake: there is no company like Cooney Coil & Energy. We offer specialized services and unique products that you can’t find anywhere else. Over the years, we have developed a reputation of providing reliable and incomparable service. Although we are primarily seen as a commercial HVAC coil supplier and not an industrial HVAC supply company, we offer services that industrial HVAC suppliers cannot provide. Let’s take a look at what makes us unique.

What Sets Us Apart From Industrial HVAC Suppliers

At Cooney Coil & Energy, we do not have a large HVAC supply warehouse, nor do we have heating and cooling supply locations. While providing basic HVAC supplies is an essential and important service, that’s not what we do. Here are some of the unique services that we provide:

  • Specialized equipment: After years of working with HVAC systems, we understand that HVAC systems often require specialized equipment in order to properly function. Finding specialized equipment is not as easy as procuring standard HVAC supplies. However, at Cooney Coil & Energy, we not only inspect and identify what your HVAC system needs, but help you obtain it whether standard or custom-built. We have developed solid relationships with the best manufacturers, which means that we can provide you with the replacement parts and resources that you need, no matter how specialized the equipment may be.
  • Expert knowledge: At Cooney Coil & Energy, we have decades of experience in the commercial heating and cooling system industry. It’s safe to say that we are experts in the field. So don’t be concerned if you’re not a certified HVAC technician. We know the systems, we know the industry, we know the people. When you contact Cooney Coil & Energy, you are getting far more than just general knowledge about supplies for industrial HVAC units. You are getting in-depth insight into the world of commercial and industrial heating and cooling systems.
  • Excellent customer service: Our passion for the commercial and industrial heating and cooling system industry is fueled by our care for our customers. We address every HVAC issue with diligence and care because we understand how important your HVAC unit is to your company. Thus, we go to any length necessary to make sure that you receive incomparable customer service when you work with us. Still not sure? Let us buy you lunch and prove just how passionate we are about your company over a lunch n’ learn.

The Knowledge And Service You Need

At Cooney Coil & Energy, we offer unique services that truly set us apart from industrial HVAC suppliers. We provide accurate inspections, specialized equipment, expert knowledge and excellent customer service. Get in touch and give us a call at 610-783-1136 to learn more about what we can do for you!