Heating coil units that connect to air handlers provide forced-air heating in central air conditioning systems. In this way, heating and cooling systems can be combined to save space, components, and in some instances, energy and installation costs. The coil also provides an inexpensive way to increase a system's heating capacity for an addition.
The complete system consists of a hot water coil, the air handler/direct expansion coil assembly, a condenser and/or furnace, and a water heater or boiler. An optional pump in the coil keeps the water circulating for space heating while the pump in the hot water heater is used for domestic hot water. These coils can be mounted in upflow, downflow, or horizontal configurations.
Several capacities and configurations are available for different air distribution systems. The coils can usually be shipped in two to three weeks.
|
These systems are a cost effective way to heat a home or provide additional heat, only costing a few hundred for the setup and installation.
|
|
These coil systems can be utilized in various ways to help reduce energy consumption. For warm climates , they can provide enough heat for comfortable temperatures. They can also add heat to systems with furnaces to cut down on energy used by the furnace. This only increases the water heating cost slightly and is outweighed by the savings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This method is most suitable where the heating load is limited. In many temperate and cooler climates it is not economical to use the hot water heater to heat the coil; the water heater must be larger than usual and rated for space heating use. A water heater that doesn't have connections for a circulation loop may affect performance. If subject to freezing, a freezestat or provision for draining the hot water coil and water lines will be necessary. Installing a coil to an air handler from another manufacturer might require field-fitting blank-off plates.
With some tools and knowledge, the homeowner could install this. However, depending on the existing equipment, a professional might be a better choice.
Coils are typically in the $300 range and do not require much installation time.
Depending on the environment, insulation may have to be applied to ensure efficiency.
If using a hot water heater as a heat source for the coil, it must be listed for that use in the State Plumbing Code or the National Standard Plumbing Code, section 10.15.10 for potable water.
Not Applicable
Housed within a steel box, the coil mounts directly to the discharge end of an air handler. For retrofit, 8" of the existing discharge plenum is removed to accommodate the coil. Supply and return lines are insulated and connected to a water heater or boiler.
Typically 1 to 5 years, depending on manufacturer and whether the system is compatable with the air handler.
The coil costs approximately $300 and installs in a half hour, according to York. Installation is faster and easier than for duct-mounted coils. A hot water heater used for space heating can save energy. The capacity of an existing heating system attached to the air handler can be increased economically by adding a hot water coil between the air handler and heat source.
This method is most suitable where the heating load is limited. In many temperate and cooler climates it is not economical to use the hot water heater to heat the coil; the water heater must be larger than usual and rated for space heating use. A water heater that doesn't have connections for a circulation loop may affect performance. If subject to freezing, a freezestat or provision for draining the hot water coil and water lines will be necessary. Installing a coil to an air handler from another manufacturer might require field-fitting blank-off plates.
|