Converting the Microchannel Coil in the Lennox® LCH156H4: Improve performance and reliability

When it comes to servicing commercial condenser coils, the Lennox LCH156H4 is often at the top of the list. Replacing its components frequently involves upgrading from its all-aluminum microchannel design to a more traditional copper tube and aluminum fin configuration.

Microchannel coils have been a staple in the HVAC industry for well over a decade, not just in Lennox units but across most original equipment manufacturers (OEM) products. Their aluminum construction helps reduce costs while minimizing the refrigerant footprint. However, these benefits come with notable drawbacks.

The Challenges of Microchannel Coils

Like a clogged dryer vent, microchannel coils accumulate dirt and debris easily. Without regular maintenance, this buildup can lead to operational problems, such as increased system head pressure. Precise refrigerant charging is also critical for proper operation due to the limited refrigerant volume in microchannel designs. Moreover, repairing these coils presents challenges, often requiring specialized techniques like welding or epoxy bonding. During repairs, aluminum coils are particularly susceptible to environmental factors, and leaks at the copper-aluminum junctions are common.

Switching Channels: Transitioning to Copper Tube and Aluminum Fin Coils

Fortunately, there’s a better option: high-grade copper tube and aluminum fin coils. This microchannel conversion offers numerous advantages, including improved performance, enhanced reliability, and extended longevity for your Lennox unit.

Key benefits include:

• Increased durability compared to microchannel coils
• Easier maintenance and repair processes
• Ability to pump down the system without recovering all refrigerant. Copper tube coils allow compressors to move refrigerant into the condenser, streamlining repairs and saving both time and money.

· Greater long-term cost efficiency by reducing frequent repairs and minimizing refrigerant loss due to leaks

Circuit Completion Essentials

When swapping out microchannel condenser coils for copper tube models, completing the circuit is essential. For instance, if a Lennox LCH156H4 unit has eight microchannel coils arranged in pairs of four and only one coil is faulty, all four coils in that circuit must be replaced. This ensures compatibility with the higher refrigerant capacity required by copper tube coils. Additionally, the pressure drop between microchannel and copper tube coils differs significantly, so mismatched configurations could cause operational malfunctions.

Experts in Microchannel Conversions

While the Lennox LCH156H4 is among the most commonly serviced units requiring microchannel conversions, this upgrade applies to virtually every major commercial HVAC brand. Over the years, Nationwide Coils has successfully completed thousands of such conversions, earning us the title of #MastersOfMicrochannelConversion. If you're considering this worthwhile enhancement, don't hesitate to reach out. Simply provide us with the unit’s make and model number, and our team will guide you through the process. Contact us at 1.888.CoilPro or email us anytime for assistance.