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. Alongside this, upgrading its all-aluminum microchannel design to a copper tube and aluminum fin coil is a common consideration.

For over a decade, microchannel coils have been a staple in the air conditioning industry, not only in Carrier units but across most OEM equipment. These aluminum coils offer cost savings and reduce the refrigerant footprint, which makes them appealing. However, they also come with notable downsides.

A Carrier AquaSnap chiller featuring all-aluminum microchannel coils.

The Drawbacks of Microchannel Coils

Microchannel coils can accumulate dirt similarly to the lint filter in your dryer. Without regular maintenance, the system's head pressure can lead to operational issues. Furthermore, precise refrigerant charge is essential for these coils to function correctly due to their low refrigerant volume. Repairing an all-aluminum coil is also challenging, as it often requires either two-part epoxy or a torch. During repairs, aluminum becomes susceptible to weather conditions, and leaks at the copper-to-aluminum connections are quite common.

#ChangeTheChannel: Upgrading to a Copper Tube, Aluminum Fin Coil

Introducing the high-grade copper tube and aluminum fin coil—a microchannel conversion that not only enhances the performance of your Carrier AquaSnap chiller but also boosts its reliability and longevity.

This upgrade offers several advantages:

• Increased durability
• Easier to repair and maintain compared to microchannel coils
• Ability to pump down the system. Unlike microchannel coils, which use flat plates with tiny holes that limit refrigerant capacity by up to 30%, copper tube coils allow compressors to pump refrigerant into the condenser coils. This eliminates the need to recover refrigerant from the entire system before making repairs, saving both time and money.
• Greater cost efficiency over the life of the coil by reducing repairs and minimizing refrigerant loss due to leaks

A Carrier AquaSnap chiller equipped with copper tube, aluminum fin coils.

Closing the Loop

When swapping out the microchannel condenser coil for a copper tube condenser coil, completing the circuit is crucial. For instance, if your unit has eight microchannel coils arranged in circuits of four and one coil is faulty, you’ll need to replace all four coils in that circuit. This is necessary because copper tube condenser coils require more refrigerant per circuit. Additionally, since microchannel coils and copper tube coils have different refrigerant pressure drops, pairing them within the same circuit could cause operational issues.

#MastersOfMicrochannelConversion

While the Carrier AquaSnap chiller is among the more popular units requiring microchannel conversion, this upgrade is applicable to any major make and model of commercial HVAC unit.

Over the years, we’ve successfully converted thousands of microchannels, earning Nationwide Coils the title of #MastersOfMicrochannelConversion. If you're considering this advantageous upgrade, reach out to the experts. Call 1.888.CoilPro or email us anytime. All we need is the unit’s make and model number to begin the process.