Technology Overview
Micro-Channel all-aluminum coils are designed to use less refrigerant and facilitate better heat transfer. Because of the aluminum, the units are lighter, and not susceptible to formicary corrosion.
Unfortunately, because it is a newer design to residential HVAC products, there is a wealth of misleading information available on online platforms – such as forums and videos. Some believe these coils are more difficult to install. However, installation is no different than traditional tube-in-fin coils. Micro-Channel coils require proper charging, but what HVAC system doesn’t?
Micro-Channel indoor and outdoor coils are made up of three main components. The “channels” or “tubes”, aluminum fins and two manifolds. These components are brazed together during a hydrogen/nitrogen process. This process uses no water or oxygen, ensuring an uncontaminated, sturdy joint. Additionally, for every one braze on a Micro-Channel coil there are approximately 28 braze points on its tube-in-fin counterpart. That means there are far fewer opportunities for joint repairs on a Micro-Channel coil.
Micro-Channel indoor and outdoor coil installation is very similar to traditional methods. Contractors must:
- Braze with nitrogen
- Install a liquid line filter drier
- Perform a thorough system evacuation
- Carefully weigh in and fine tune any additional charge (For additional information, check out our How to Charge page.)
If there are questions about Micro-Channel coil installation, contractors should talk directly to the manufacturer or distributor – not immediately turn to online forums.
Nortek Global HVAC features Micro-Channel evaporator and condenser coils in models starting at 13 SEER and going up to 20 SEER. In fact, our air conditioners are 100% Micro-Channel, both indoor and outdoor. For further repair and installation instructions, heating and air conditioning contractors can watch free videos available on this site, EdgeTek or YouTube.
Installation Best Practices:

Brazing

Thorough Evacuation

Liquid Line Filter

Quick Reference Data
Micro-Channel Fact
Micro-Channel coils are no harder to clean than tube-in-fin. For the outdoor coil, it’s as simple as getting out a hose and spraying it down – no special cleaner required. For the indoor coil, make sure you always clean with a manufacturer recommended product.