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View Full Version : opinions on this HVAC coil appearance?


Carlo Contreras
09-29-2012, 06:11 PM
This is a photo from a home constructed in 2004. Both HVAC units have a similar appearance. What are the potential causes for this appearance?
Thanks,
[please click the link below for the hi-res photo]
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5kb5PESWt6xZFpWc0J3MTRfV2s
Jim Luttrall
09-29-2012, 09:44 PM
Number one it is an A coil which is not designed to lay on it's side. If it is in fact the photo that is turned wrong, then the condensate line is connected to the wrong port.
Carlo Contreras
09-30-2012, 06:05 AM
Number one it is an A coil which is not designed to lay on it's side. If it is in fact the photo that is turned wrong, then the condensate line is connected to the wrong port.

Thanks for looking at the photo. I took the picture with the native orientation, so your comment is very interesting. I was particularly concerned about the coloration of the copper tubing. I've heard opinions as to the cause of the discoloration ranging from a freon leak to Chinese drywall exposure. Do you have any insight?

Sincerely,
Carlo
Garry Sorrells
09-30-2012, 06:32 AM
Where is it located,state?
It is a reaction caused by the combination of air and moisture.
Location of property may limit potential use of Chinese Drywall.
Geographic conditions may have an affect.
Also, what is/has been stored in the property?
Then some just don't hold up as well as others.
Dom D'Agostino
09-30-2012, 09:50 AM
All I see is rusted copper tubing, no black stains or discolorations such as you'd find with contaminated drywall.
(Photo not mine, source unknown.)
Carlo Contreras
09-30-2012, 02:19 PM
Where is it located,state?
It is a reaction caused by the combination of air and moisture.
Location of property may limit potential use of Chinese Drywall.
Geographic conditions may have an affect.
Also, what is/has been stored in the property?
Then some just don't hold up as well as others.

The location is Birmingham, AL. Several homes nearby are being gutted as we speak for drywall problems. This unit was in an attic, nothing special stored up there. I agree it doesn't look uniformly black like the picture you attached, but there was more corrosion than I expected to see for an 8 year old home.

Thanks, Carlo
Jim Luttrall
09-30-2012, 03:01 PM
The galvanized coil supports are rusting, not the copper. Cheaper units do that more quickly. I also suspect the environment in the coil box is wetter than normal due to the improperly draining A coil laid on its side. Maybe it is approved for this use but I am not used to seeing A coils used in a side flow application. Excess water over a long period of time means rust.