Cold Weather Steam Coil Preparation: A Money-Saving Solution

Forecasters are predicting that the 2016 winter season will reintroduce bitterly cold temperatures throughout the nation.

The presence of La Niña is expected to bring colder than normal conditions and an increase in heavy snowfall around the country. To keep your HVAC system fully operational throughout the coming seasons, it’s crucial to start your cold weather steam coil preparation now.

Steam’s Proven Track Record

For more than 100 years, steam has been a major source of heating in large commercial buildings and institutions.Steam heating has significant advantages over hot water heating and the steam coil’s ability to better resist freezing temperatures still keeps this old technology a very viable option for winter heating.

When most of the country suffered below freezing temperatures in 2013, steam coils fared much better in treacherous conditions than hot water coils. However, extreme conditions can still pose a threat to these sophisticated systems.

Cold Weather Risks

Although steam coils are designed to function through cold weather conditions, there are several factors that prohibit them from ideal performance:

• When there is more than one coil per steam trap, there is usually a difference in the outlet pressure of each coil due to airflow rate, dirt buildup, and coil construction. This pressure difference eventually causes condensate to flood the lowest pressure coil.

• If there are partially open or blocked louvers, condensation buildup in the coil’s tubes can cause uneven airflow.

• When there is too much pressure in a coil, the condensate cannot be raised to the return, resulting in a backed up coil. The elevated pressure can create a vacuum within the coil, preventing drainage and flooding the coil.

Any time that condensate is trapped within a coil, no matter the steam’s temperature, there is a danger of freezing. To ensure cold weather steam coil preparation, consult with the expert manufacturers at American Coil to assess the right coil solution for your system.

An Ounce of Prevention

At American Coil, we manufacture direct replacement heating coils for all of your steam coil needs. Working with our engineers ensures ideal performance on your system, provides you quick turnaround for coil emergencies, and guarantees you the most affordable options. We can advise on the current condition of your steam coils and present the best custom manufactured options.

Save money and time by preparing your steam coils for the cold weather. Maximize your coil efficiency and let American Coil ensure you a warm winter.