When it comes to replacing commercial condenser coils, the York ZJ150 often tops the list. One of the key considerations when building a replacement coil for this popular unit is converting its all-aluminum microchannel design to a copper tube and aluminum fin coil.

Microchannel coils have been a standard in the air conditioning industry for well over a decade, not just in York units but across most original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products. These coils are favored due to their lower cost and reduced refrigerant footprint. However, these advantages come with notable drawbacks.

The Challenges of Microchannel Coils

One of the primary concerns with microchannel coils is their tendency to accumulate dirt, much like the lint trap in a dryer. Without regular maintenance, this can lead to operational problems caused by increased system head pressure. Furthermore, precise refrigerant charging is essential for proper operation since microchannel coils have a limited refrigerant capacity. Repairs on all-aluminum microchannel coils are also complex, often requiring specialized tools such as two-part epoxy or a torch. During repairs, aluminum is particularly susceptible to environmental factors, and leaks at the copper-aluminum junctions are common occurrences.

Switching to Copper Tube and Aluminum Fin Coils

A switch to high-grade copper tube and aluminum fin coils offers a practical solution. This microchannel conversion not only enhances the performance of your York ZJ150 unit but also boosts its reliability and extends its service life. Take a look at the benefits:

• Increased Durability: Copper tubes provide superior strength compared to aluminum plates.
• Easier Maintenance: Copper tube coils are simpler to repair and maintain than microchannel designs.
• System Pump-Down Capability: Unlike microchannel coils, which have small holes in their flat plates, copper tube coils allow compressors to pump refrigerant into the condenser. This eliminates the need to recover refrigerant before repairs, saving both time and money.
• Cost Efficiency: By reducing the frequency of repairs and minimizing refrigerant losses due to leaks, copper tube coils offer long-term savings.

Ensuring Compatibility

When replacing the microchannel condenser coil with a copper tube coil, it’s crucial to complete the circuit. For instance, if your York ZJ150 unit has eight microchannel coils arranged in circuits of four, and one coil fails, you’ll need to replace all four coils in that circuit. This is necessary because copper tube coils use more refrigerant per circuit than microchannel coils. Additionally, the pressure drop differs between the two types, so pairing mismatched coils could result in operational malfunctions.

Experts in Microchannel Conversion

While the York ZJ150 is among the most frequently upgraded units, microchannel conversions are available for nearly every major commercial HVAC brand. Over the years, Nationwide Coils has completed thousands of these conversions, earning us the title of “#MastersOfMicrochannelConversion.” If you’re considering this upgrade, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. Simply call 1.888.CoilPro or email us with your unit’s make and model number to get started.

Remember, investing in a copper tube coil conversion isn’t just about improving your current setup—it’s about ensuring your equipment runs smoothly for years to come. Let us help you take the next step toward enhanced performance and reliability.