“Get Your Fix” Part 2 of 10: YORK® YLAA

Continuing our countdown of the top ten commercial OEM condenser coils that have faced issues over the past decade, we now take a closer look at the YORK® YLAA series. This model has been a frequent source of concern for contractors and building operators due to its problematic microchannel condenser coils.

Despite being one of York’s more popular chillers, the YLAA has had a reputation for reliability issues, particularly with its MCHX (microchannel heat exchanger) coils. In fact, we receive multiple calls each week from clients dealing with leaks and performance problems in these units. While York did offer both microchannel and copper tube coil options, the latter is rarely seen in the field — leaving many users stuck with a less durable solution.

The most common models we encounter are the Style B units, which are typically equipped with microchannel coils in both standard and high-efficiency configurations. To identify whether you're working with a standard or high-efficiency unit, check the model number. For example, "S" in YLAA0700SE stands for standard, while "H" in YLAA0156HE indicates high efficiency. If you see a "ZE" in the model, such as YLAA0080ZE, that unit originally came with copper tube coils.

So what’s the fix? The best option is to convert the microchannel coil to a copper tube condenser coil. This upgrade significantly improves reliability and makes maintenance easier without sacrificing the original efficiency of the unit.

One key point to remember: when replacing the microchannel coil, you must replace all coils in the same circuit. If a single coil is leaking, but it's part of a system with four coils, you need to replace all four. Depending on the size of the unit, YLAA chillers can have between 4 and 12 coils.

While some companies may offer to replace just one coil, this is often just a temporary fix. At Nationwide Coils, we don’t recommend this approach — it doesn't solve the underlying issues that make the YLAA model prone to failure. Instead, we always suggest a full conversion to copper tubes for long-term performance and peace of mind.

Although the YORK YLAA is one of the most commonly upgraded chillers, we can perform microchannel conversions on any make or model. Whether you’re dealing with an older unit or looking to future-proof your system, a conversion could be the right move for you.

If you're experiencing issues with your YORK YLAA chiller, consider reaching out for a free quote on a MCHX conversion today. It might be the best investment you make in your HVAC system.

The Nationwide Coils Blog is a commercial HVAC blog written by industry experts with nearly two decades of experience. We provide valuable insights into commercial HVAC products and services and encourage you to reach out to us anytime with questions or feedback.

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