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The Role of Heating Coils in Winter Comfort

The Role of Heating Coils in Winter Comfort

As the winter chill sets in, ensuring your facility’s comfort becomes a top priority. One key player in this equation is your heating coils. Whether it’s a steam coil or a hot water coil, these components are crucial for maintaining a warm and safe environment.

In such situations, emergencies with your HVAC systems seem almost inevitable. This is exactly when you need a coil supplier that can respond swiftly and flexibly to any unexpected issues.

Hot Water Coils

Hot water coils, also known as fluid coils, are a type of heat exchanger that can be used for both heating and cooling. They work by transferring heat from the water flowing through the coil to the air passing over it.

Our hot water coils come with tube diameter options ranging from 5/8″, 7/8″, to 1″. We offer materials such as Aluminum, Copper, Cupro-Nickel 90/10, Carbon Steel, and Stainless Steel 304 & 316 for tube or fin materials. With a wide range of rows and circuiting options, we ensure optimal performance based on your specific requirements.

Despite their functionality, hot water coils can freeze and burst under certain conditions. If it happens, Cooney Coil & Energy has you covered. Our team has spent years developing Freeze Block Coils, designed specifically to address this problem and ensure that your heating system continues to run efficiently throughout the winter.

Steam Coils

A steam coil is a type of heat exchanger often found in commercial and industrial buildings’ air handling units. They work by warming up the air that fans blow across fins made of materials like aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. These fins absorb heat from steam moving through tubes, providing a warm and comfortable environment.

At Cooney Coil & Energy, we offer steam coils with tube diameter options ranging from 5/8″, 7/8″, to 1″. Our steam coils can be built with various materials including Aluminum, Copper, Cupro-Nickel 90/10, Carbon Steel, and Stainless Steel 304 & 316. We provide a variety of rows and circuiting options to cater to your specific needs.

However, steam coils are not exempt from potential issues. A common problem is freeze-ups. These occur when leftover water or condensate inside the steam coil tubes freezes. This can be caused by various reasons, sometime there is issue with the steam trap or the vacuum breaker. But fret not, our team at Cooney Coil & Energy is always ready to assist you with any steam system emergencies, ensuring your heating system runs smoothly throughout the winter.

Booster Coils

Booster coils are a version of the standard HVAC hot water coil, designed for duct work installation. They always have one or two rows, but their casing is designed for ductwork installation, making them ideal for specific applications.

Our booster coils come with tube diameter options ranging from 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 7/8″, to 1″. We offer materials such as Aluminum, Copper, Cupro-Nickel 90/10, Carbon Steel, and Stainless Steel 304 & 316 for tube or fin materials. We also provide a wide variety of rows and circuiting options to cater to your specific needs.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Just like any other component of your HVAC system, your heating coil needs regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can build up on your commercial coils, reducing their effectiveness and efficiency. This not only impacts your comfort but also increases your energy costs.

Here are some tips to maintain your heating coils:

1. Regular Cleaning: Keeping your heating coils clean is paramount. A buildup of dirt and dust can reduce the heat transfer efficiency, making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. UVGI systems are great options to help reduce coil cleanings and improve efficiency.

2. Inspections: Regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as leaks or rust, which could indicate the need for a replacement coil.

3. Professional Maintenance: It’s important to schedule preventative maintenance. Thoroughly clean and inspect your heating coils, ensuring they’re in top shape for the winter months.

Time for a Replacement?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your heating coils may need to be replaced. This might be due to age, damage, or simply because the coil is no longer efficient. At Cooney Coil & Energy, we specialize in providing high-quality replacement coils that will ensure your HVAC system is running at its best.

In conclusion, your heating coil plays a vital role in your commercial building during the winter. By understanding how it works and ensuring it’s properly maintained, you can ensure a warm environment all season long.

Schedule a Site Visit

With our wide range of products and expertise, we are your go-to partner for all your HVAC needs. Whether it’s steam coils, hot water coils, or booster coils, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to reach out to us for more information on our products and services. Stay warm, stay safe!

5 Signs to Replace Your Steam Coil in the Heating Season

5 Signs to Replace Your Steam Coil in the Heating Season

Steam coils play a critical role in heat transfer within HVAC systems, ensuring comfortable temperatures during the colder months. However, as winter approaches, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that may arise with steam distributing and standard steam coils, which can lead to decreased efficiency and higher operational costs. Before considering HVAC coil replacement, it’s crucial to understand the type of coil you have and what signs to look for that may indicate it’s time for a replacement.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Steam Coil

When it comes to steam coils, damage or wear can occur due to a variety of factors, including harsh winter conditions and improper maintenance. As temperatures drop and heating systems are put into use, you may run into the following steam coil issues.

Erosion & Corrosion

Steam HVAC coils, like everything else, can get worn out over time. Two big problems to watch out for are erosion and corrosion.

Erosion is when the inside of the coil starts to wear away. This can happen if the steam inside isn’t very good quality, or if it’s moving too fast. This makes your coil less effective and could cause it to break down sooner than expected.

Corrosion is another issue. This happens when unwanted gases are trapped in steam coils can lead to oxidation and carbonic acid. This can cause serious damage, causing pin-hole leaks over time. By utilizing thermostatic air vents and proper piping, you can effectively eliminate these gases, safeguarding your steam coils and significantly enhancing their performance.

Freezing

Both standard steam coils and steam distributing aka “non-freeze steam coils” are susceptible to freezeing. Steam coil freeze-ups can lead to serious system failures, often occurring due to issues like improper installation or maintenance. Two main culprits behind freezing steam coils are the steam trap and the vacuum breaker, essential components for removing condensate. If not installed correctly, condensate can accumulate within the coil, leading to inevitable freezing when exposed to outside air. Similarly, a faulty steam trap can cause condensate to build up and result in reduced heat transfer, ultimately leading to a replacement.

Steam coils equipped with Cooney Freeze Block technology offer a robust solution to freezing concerns. This advanced technology is designed to release excess pressure in the event of a freeze-up, preventing the coil from bursting. Therefore, it ensures the longevity of your coil and provides peace of mind throughout the frosty winter months.

Improper Coil Selection

Selecting the wrong coil for your system can result in diminished performance and increased susceptibility to corrosion. It’s crucial to choose a coil that aligns with your specific system and duty requirements. By trusting coil selection experts to help you make an informed selection, you can dramatically boost the efficiency and longevity of your steam coils.

steam coil replacement nj

Reduced Heat Transfer

One of the most significant warning signs that your steam coil may need replacing is reduced heat transfer. If you notice that your heating system is struggling to maintain desired temperatures or takes longer than usual to do so.

Reduced heat transfer can also be caused by dirt & debris caught in the coil’s fin pack. This blocks the full flow of conditioned air through the coil and that adversely affects the coil’s performance. Clogged and dirty fin packs lead to higher energy costs as the AHU fan struggles to pull conditioned air through the coils with an exceeding high air pressure drop. Clogged fins can accelerate coil fin degradation through corrosion and pitting. Care should be taken to provide a properly maintained air filter bank in front of the steam coils.

Improper Installation

Lastly, improper installation can also cause your steam coils to fail prematurely. Typical issues include lack of coil pitching towards the return main and the absence of a vacuum breaker. Ensuring correct installation is crucial for preserving the efficiency and lifespan of your steam coil.

The Cost of Replacing a Steam Coil

The cost of replacing commercial HVAC coils can vary, influenced by factors like size, material, and labor. However, investing in a high-quality replacement coil, can lead to substantial long-term savings. By choosing a quality product, you ensure longevity and optimal performance, reducing the chance of future breakdowns and related costs.

Unseen Expenses: The Price of Ignoring Needed Steam Coil Replacements

Ignoring the need for a steam distributing coil or steam coil replacement can lead to a significant financial burden. When a steam coil fails, it doesn’t just impact the efficiency of your heating system – it can lead to expensive repairs and even a complete system shutdown.

Consider the costs associated with a malfunctioning steam coil. There are the immediate repair expenses, of course. But there’s also the loss of productivity, the potential for damage to other components in your heating system, and the increased energy consumption due to inefficient operation. Moreover, when a steam coil is not functioning correctly, it can cause freeze-ups, leading to extensive damage and costly repairs.

Don’t Compromise – Choose a Quality Steam Coil Replacement

Our replacement hvac coils offer an efficient and effective solution to these problems. By investing in a high-quality steam coil replacement now, you can avoid these costly consequences down the line. This is not just a purchase – it’s an investment in the longevity and performance of your entire heating system.

Why wait until the damage is done? With Cooney Coil & Energy, you get more than just a product. You get free site visits, the expert knowledge of our coil selection and engineering team and expedite options all backed by our form, fit and function guarantee.

We’re not just experts in the field – we’re your partners in maintaining a robust and efficient HVAC system. Act now, and secure the future of your heating system with our top-tier HVAC coil replacement.

Steam Coil

Steam Coils

Steam distributing (“non-freeze” coils) and standard steam coil

hvac coil replacement pa

Freeze Block

Rupture Proof Fluid and Steam Coils 

HVAC Coil Capabilities

Discover the full range of our top-tier HVAC coil offerings and services by downloading our capabilities line card.

Site Visits

On our site visit, we’ll take measurements, understand your system, identify challenges, and suggest solutions.

Blank Coil Templates

Our blank coil drawings make it easy to record coil sizes and construction details for a replacement coil.

Get Ready for Winter: Tips for Inspecting HVAC Coils

Get Ready for Winter: Tips for Inspecting HVAC Coils

Get Ready for Winter: Tips for Inspecting HVAC Coils

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard This Heating Season – Get Your HVAC Coils Ready Now With This Essential Checklist

With winter just around the corner, it is essential to make sure your HVAC coils are well-protected and in good working order. From corrosion to freezing, there are a series of factors that could lead to performance and reliability issues if you don’t inspect and properly prepare your system for the cold months ahead. To help you get ready, this blog post will provide an overview of common HVAC coil issues, helpful products and considerations for protection, along with our services to ensure everything runs smoothly all winter long.

The Importance of Summer Preventative Maintenance for the Heating Season

There is a saying in the HVAC industry: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Ignoring preventative maintenance in the summer can lead to severe problems in the winter when you need your heating system the most. Conducting regular summer preventative maintenance checks is essential to ensure your heating coils function optimally during the colder months.

Preventative Maintenance (PMs) for your HVAC coils usually takes around 2-3 days to complete. This time is well invested as it ensures your system runs smoothly when temperatures drop. Ignoring this could lead to longer, unexpected downtime in the middle of winter.

Additionally, industry lead times can average 4-6 weeks, making it crucial to start your winter preparations in August. If you wait until the peak heating season (October 15th – April 15th) to address any issues, you might find yourself on a long waiting list for parts or service, leaving you and your building in the cold.

Therefore, summer preventative maintenance is not just a good idea—it’s a necessity. It sets the stage for a trouble-free, efficient heating system that will serve you well throughout the winter months.

Assessing Your Heating Coils Before Winter

What You’ll Want to Inspect…

As the weather cools, it’s important to make sure your heating coils (hot water coils and steam coils) are in good condition.

When looking for common problems with your heating coils, it is important to inspect the filters and replace them if necessary. Make sure there are no gaps between filters when installed. You should also take note of corrosion and rust on the fin pack, as well as any bent fins that can impact airflow. Further, check for evidence of leaks on hot water and steam coils and ensure proper insulation of steam coils and fluid coils. Lastly, make sure all fluid coils are vented properly as air bound coils reduce efficiency.

How to Prevent External Fouling & Freezing from Affecting Your HVAC Coils

The Detrimental Effects of Fouling and Corrosion on HVAC Coils

Fouling and corrosion are two major threats that severely impact the performance and longevity of HVAC coils.

Fouling refers to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris on the coil surfaces. This typically happens when the fin pack becomes dirty over time due to exposure to environmental pollutants. When cleaning is attempted without proper care, it can further compact the dirt into the fin pack, leading to fin degradation. It’s a destructive process that decreases the coil’s overall heat transfer ability.

Corrosion, on the other hand, is the gradual deterioration of metal caused by a chemical reaction with the environment. This is commonly seen as rusting, which can occur due to factors like moisture, humidity, or exposure to certain chemicals.

Both fouling and corrosion have a negative domino effect on the HVAC system. Reduced airflow caused by dirt-impacted fins and corroded surfaces diminishes the system’s performance. This leads to the system working harder to achieve the desired temperature, consequently consuming more energy and significantly increasing operational costs. Furthermore, these issues shorten the system’s lifespan, resulting in frequent and costly replacements. Understanding and addressing fouling and corrosion in HVAC coils is crucial to maintaining an efficient and cost-effective heating system.

Addressing External Fouling and Corrosion: Key Considerations

Understanding the detrimental effects of fouling and corrosion is only part of the battle. It’s equally essential to explore strategic solutions to combat these common issues effectively, to ensure the longevity and efficacy of your HVAC system.

Firstly, if your heating coils exhibit extensive fouling or corrosion, they may be beyond salvaging. In this case, ordering a replacement coil is your best course of action. Facilities must ensure they make this decision in good time to avoid peak season delays and unplanned downtime.

When ordering a replacement coil consider using heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel for durability. Stainless steel coils are particularly resistant to corrosion, providing a robust solution for environments with high humidity. Protective coil coatings can also help to extend the lifespan of your coil, while improving clean-ability and performance. Coated coils are ideal for protecting coils in corrosive environments and coils with high UV exposure such as pharmaceutical and medical facilities, industrial manufacturing plants, and coastal environments.

Lastly, introducing UV light disinfection in front of the HVAC coils is an innovative solution to consider. UV light can effectively kill biological contaminants such as mold and bacteria, reducing coil cleaning and significantly extending the coil’s life. Moreover, it can increase coil efficiency by mitigating the risk of fouling, leading to a more effective and energy-efficient heating system.

Remember, the key to a long-lasting, efficient HVAC system lies not only in regular maintenance but also in strategic preventive measures. By addressing fouling and corrosion proactively, you can ensure your system is ready to serve you effectively and efficiently throughout the challenging winter season.

The Damaging Impact of Frozen HVAC Coils

Freeze damage poses a significant threat to coils, an issue that can severely impair their performance and longevity. This phenomenon occurs when the fluid within the coil freezes, expanding and generating pressure that the coil isn’t designed to handle. The resultant stress can cause the coil tubes to rupture, making the coil ineffective and requiring replacement.

Protecting Your HVAC Coils from Freeze Damage

During your summer preventative maintenance, it’s crucial to inspect the operation and setpoints of your freeze stat— a safety device that prevents freezing within your HVAC system. It is also advisable to drain all water from your coils that will not be in use, or to fill them with glycol. This can be achieved by using compressed air or dry nitrogen to ensure no residual water is present. It’s important to note that improperly drained coils can freeze, leading to costly damages and system downtime.

However, while glycol can prevent freezing, it can also degrade the coils, causing early corrosion, and reducing coil lifespan and efficiency. In this context, utilizing Freeze Block technology when ordering replacement coils can be a game-changing solution.

Freeze Block technology is an energy-saving alternative to glycol that can effectively protect your coils from freeze damage, even in the event of a freeze stat or power failure. It offers the added advantage of potentially reducing the need to drain coils, saving time, and reducing maintenance costs. This innovative technology provides true peace of mind during the winter months, ensuring that your heating system operates efficiently and effectively, regardless of external conditions.

Take Action and Secure Your HVAC System Against Fouling, Corrosion, and Freeze Damage Now!

Taking proactive steps to combat fouling, corrosion, and freeze damage can significantly extend the lifespan of your HVAC system while ensuring optimal performance and reliability all winter long. At Cooney Coil & Energy, we are committed to providing solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Contact our team today!

The Science of Cool: How Cooling Coils Revolutionize Summertime Comfort

The Science of Cool: How Cooling Coils Revolutionize Summertime Comfort

Cooling Coils, the Unsung Heroes of Summer

Coils are essential for maintaining cooler temperatures in a variety of industries. Whether it’s keeping beer cold, preserving food, controlling computer systems in data centers, or producing delicious ice cream – coils play a vital role in making all these possible! That’s why when you take a sip of that cool beverage or enjoy your favorite ice cream flavor, you can thank the coil technology that made it happen.

There are several different types of cooling coils, each of which is designed for specific applications, such as residential or commercial HVAC systems. All of these are designed to help you keep your environment comfortable and cool, no matter the season. Let’s take a closer look at each of the fundamental types of cooling coils.

Chilled Water Coils

Chilled water coils are typically used in large commercial HVAC systems where chilled water is circulated to cool the air. These coils transfer heat between the chilled water and the air, cooling down the air before it is distributed into the building. By circulating this cooled air throughout a building, chilled water coils are able to regulate the temperature indoors, even when outside temperatures become unbearable.

Do you know the main difference between a hot water coil and a chilled water coil? Usually, hot water coils are small (1-2 rows) and chilled water coils are larger (3-12) rows deep.

Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are located in the outdoor section of the HVAC system. They receive the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor from the compressor. As the refrigerant flows through the condenser coils, it releases heat to the outdoor air, causing it to condense back into a liquid state. This liquid then moves back into the indoor system, repeating the cooling cycle.

DX (Direct Expansion) / Evaporator Coils

DX (Direct Expansion) coils are also known as evaporator coils. Evaporator coils use refrigerant, instead of water, to remove heat from the air. As hot air blows across the coil, the liquid refrigerant inside will evaporate into a gas. This phase change allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and send cool dehumidified air to the space.

So, the next time you step into a comfortably cool environment on a sweltering summer day, remember the remarkable work of chilled water coils, direct expansion coils, and evaporator coils, ensuring that you can enjoy a cool oasis no matter how high the mercury rises.

 

Cooling Coil Replacement in Commercial HVAC Systems

When it comes to HVAC coil replacements, there’s simply no substitute for having knowledgeable and experienced professionals on the job. These coils are critical components of your heating and cooling system, responsible for transferring heat and helping regulate temperature. As such, any missteps during the replacement process can spell disaster for your HVAC system’s efficiency and longevity.

That’s why it’s so important to trust this work to experts who know exactly what they’re doing. With their deep understanding of how these systems work, they’ll be able to seamlessly replace your coils, getting your HVAC system back up and running in no time.

The end result? A comfortable and productive environment year-round, with the assurance that your HVAC system is running optimally – all thanks to the expertise of a trusted professional.

The Need for Experienced Professionals in Coil Replacement

When it comes to reliable HVAC coil replacement, you can’t go wrong with Cooney Coil & Energy. With a reputation for excellence in the industry, Cooney Coil & Energy has been serving satisfied customers for years. Their team of experts is highly skilled in the art of HVAC coil replacement, ensuring that each and every project is handled with the utmost precision and care. Time and time again, Cooney Coil & Energy has proven themselves as a trusted and reliable choice for businesses and individuals in need of quality HVAC services. Whether you’re in need of coil replacement for your home or commercial property, put your trust in Cooney Coil & Energy and experience the difference for yourself.

When to Replace Commercial HVAC Coils

When to Replace Commercial HVAC Coils

Recognizing the Signs: When You Should Replace Commercial HVAC Coils

Maintaining the right temperature in your facility is essential for ensuring the comfort and safety of those living or working within. That’s why it’s important to have a properly functioning HVAC system with coils that are regularly inspected, serviced and replaced when necessary.

Unfortunately, coils can fail prematurely due to freeze damage or other factors such as incorrect selection, corrosion or lack of maintenance. Understanding the signs that indicate when it’s time to replace or repair your HVAC coils is essential for your facility.

In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview of indicators that signal it might be time to replace or repair your HVAC coils so you can keep your building comfortable and safe at all times. Let’s get started!

Reduced System Efficiency

A decrease in system efficiency is often the first sign that your HVAC coils may need to be replaced or repaired. If you notice an increase in energy consumption without significant changes in usage patterns, this can indicate a problem with your coils. In addition, if any areas of your building are not being adequately heated or cooled, this could also indicate a problem with your coils.

Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs

If you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns and repairs with your HVAC system, it’s time to evaluate whether coil replacement or repair is the most cost-effective solution. The costs associated with regular repairs can add up quickly, making it more financially sensible to invest in replacing the coils entirely.

Be sure to evaluate the cost of repairs versus replacement before making your decision. Doing so will help ensure that you are investing in the most suitable solution for your facility’s needs.

Visible Coil Damage or Corrosion

Corrosion is another indicator that your coils may need to be replaced or repaired. If you notice any signs of corrosion, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. Corroded coils can cause significant problems if left unchecked, including reduced efficiency, system damage and potentially even health and safety risks.

If you notice any physical damage, including cracks, leaks, bulged or split return bends, these are strong indicators that the coil should be replaced. Freeze damage is one of the most common reasons for premature coil failure, it occurs when water turns into ice, increasing its volume and creating pressure on the coil. This pressure is strong enough to rupture the coil, resulting in a bulged and split return bend or fin pack. By adding Freeze Block technology to your coils when replacing, you can reduce the risk of freeze damage and avoid costly repairs or replacements. It is important to check your HVAC system on a regular PM schedule for any signs of visible damage or corrosion in order to avoid costly repair fees later on.

Poor Airflow

If you notice a decrease in airflow or an overall decrease in circulation, this could be a result of clogged fins on the coil. This can lead to uneven temperatures within the building, as well as an uncomfortable environment due to inadequate air movement.Dirty Mold HVAC Coil

Properly cleaning coils is essential for maintaining their efficiency and prolonging their lifespan. Additionally, the use of UV systems can help reduce microorganism growth that can lead to increased dirt and dust buildup on the coil surface, negatively impacting air quality within your facility. By installing a UV system along with regular maintenance on your coils, you will be able to improve the overall airflow and reduce the need for frequent coil repairs or replacements. This in turn will help you save on energy costs, maintain comfortable temperatures and ensure that your equipment is running at optimal levels.

Age of Existing Coils

If your coils are older than 10 years, it’s time to consider replacing them. Efficiency can drop by 30% over time. This is because, as time passes your HVAC coils will naturally weaken due to constant expansion and contraction. This can lead to a decrease in the coil’s performance and an overall reduction in system efficiency.

At Cooney Coil & Energy, we strive to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions for all your HVAC needs. Our team of professionals can help you evaluate your system and identify any potential issues with the coils. We offer free site visits as well as detailed diagnostics of your existing coils in order to determine if replacement is necessary.

We can provide you with the best options for replacing your heating or cooling coils and we take pride in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient products. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way so that you can have peace of mind knowing that you are getting the most out of your HVAC system. Contact us today for more information about our services.

Trust Cooney Coil & Energy for Your HVAC Coil Needs

Maintaining your HVAC coils is an important part of keeping your system running optimally. Signs such as visible damage or corrosion, poor airflow, and age can help you determine when it’s time to replace your existing commercial hvac coils. Regular maintenance and the use of UV systems can help reduce dirt and dust buildup, and Freeze Block coils can prevent freeze damage. At Cooney Coil & Energy, our experienced professionals are here to provide you with reliable solutions for all your HVAC needs. Contact us today for more information!

How to Measure Commerical or Industrial HVAC Coils

How to Measure Commerical or Industrial HVAC Coils

Are you looking to replace an HVAC coil but don’t know how to get the right measurements? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the basics of measuring an HVAC coil so you can order a replacement with confidence. Here’s what we’ll cover:

By the end of this blog post, you should have all the information and tips you need to order a new HVAC coil with confidence. So let’s get started!

 

What Type of HVAC Coil are you measuring?

Knowing which type of coil you are measuring is essential to selecting the correct replacement to order. In general, there are 5 types of commercial HVAC coils that you should be aware of.

Fluid Coils

Supply connections are normally at the bottom of the coil, return bends are visible and the coil normally has vent and drain connections.

Standard Steam Coils

Coils have supply and return headers. The supply connection is normally located in the middle of the supply header and the condensate drain is located at the low point of the coil for complete drain-ability. Rows are limited to 4 and are connected by return bends. coils can be the same or opposite end connection construction.

Steam Distributing Coils

Supply connections are normally in the middle of the header with no return bends. Rows are limited to 2 rows with 5/8” construction

Direct Expansion (DX) Coils

Coils normally have distributor leads (spaghetti tubes) and expansion valves. These coils can have multiple distributor arrangements

Condenser Coils

The supply connection normally enters at the top of the coil. These coils look similar to a water coil, except for the location of the supply connection. Sub-cooler circuits typically have separate headers and represent a small portion of the coil’s surface.

Determine finned height (FH) and finned length (FL)

Finned height is always measured in the direction of the fin. Finned length is always measured in the direction of the tubes, regardless of which direction the tubes are running.

 

Determine casing height (CH)

Casing height is always measured in the same direction as finned height (FH). It includes the casing/sideplate flanges (B) on the top and bottom of the coil. In some instances, the flanges may be flat at the top and bottom, so you are only measuring finned height plus the metal thickness.

Determine casing length (CL)

Casing length is always measured in the same direction as fin length (FL). It includes the tube sheet flanges (A) on the ends of the coil. Some coils may actually have baffles covering the headers and should be included in your casing length measurement.

Determine the number of rows

Rows are always counted in the direction of airflow, regardless of how the coil is mounted. Count rows either by viewing the header end or the return bend end of the coil. When viewing either end, remember that the return bends or headers may run unevenly across the coil.

Determine fins per inch (FPI)

Fins Per Inch (FPI)

Fins Per Inch (FPI)

Fins per inch is pretty self-explanatory, we want to count how many fins are within one inch. Using a ruler or tape measure, count the number of fins on the coil within one inch. Normal fin counts will be between 4 and 14 FPI.

 

Determine casing depth (CD)

Casing depth is always measured in the direction of air flow. Casing depth will normally be 4” to 6” for hot water and steam coils, and 6” to 15” for chilled water and direct expansion coils.

Determine overall coil length, including headers (OAL)

Overall length is one of the most important dimensions to be obtained because most coils only have connection stubs extending outside the walls of the unit. Overall length is measured from the outside edge of the header end – not including connections/stubs

(S) – to the outside edge of the return bend end, plus any baffles extending beyond the header or return bends.

Determine overall coil length, including connection.

Add the length of the connection stub (S) to the overall length (OAL) determined in step 5. This measurement is important for two reasons: 1) because some manufacturers include connections within the casing length of the unit: and 2) because piping cannot be moved.

Determine connection size and type

Note your connection type for replacement or new connection needed for system repiping.

If necessary, remove insulation to see the incoming and outgoing lines. Measure the diameter of the outside of the line to help determine connection size.

Standard connection types are MPT (male pipe thread), FPT (female pipe thread), ODS (sweat connection,) and Victaulic. MPT is threaded on the outside, FPT is threaded on the inside, ODS connections have no threads, and Victaulic connections have a groove around the outside.

Determine air flow

Air flow is described by the direction in which air is flowing through the coil. Horizontal air flow is air running through the coil from wall to wall in the room. Floor-to-ceiling is vertical air flow. If the coil is mounted vertically (i.e. on the wall) air flow is horizontal. If the coil is mounted horizontally (i.e. on the floor or ceiling) the air flow is vertical.

Determine the number of tubes per row

Count the number of tubes that are in the row. The number of tubes is important when ordering an exact replacement.

Determine the coil circuitry

Coil circuitry is determined by the number of tubes going into the header divided by the number of tubes in the first row. See the diagram below for reference.

Tips & Tricks

  • The more information the better! If you use a measuring template, you’re less likely to miss something
  • Videos and pictures in addition to a measuring template are very helpful. Put your phone camera on .5 lens to take a video or picture in a tight space.
  • Circuiting is important! Tubes in the header AND tubes in the face.
  • Get horizontal and vertical centers of pipe connections, max AHU L, H, and D inside of unit.
  • Silly putty can be a useful tool to help get FPI measurements in dark spaces. Roll out the putty and take an imprint of the fins so you can easily measure outside of the AHU. Gum can also work in a pinch, but we don’t recommend chewing it after measuring!
  • Measure Twice.