The Biggest Coil Myths We Hear Every Week

In commercial HVAC, coils are one of those components people tend to notice only when something finally goes wrong. And when they do go wrong, the number of misunderstandings floating around can make the whole process way more stressful than it needs to be.

At Re-Coil, we hear the same handful of myths week after week. So let’s clear them up and make coil replacement a whole lot simpler.

Myth #1: “A coil is a coil. They’re all basically the same.”

If only it were that easy. Coils differ in materials, fin spacing, circuitry, and exact dimensions. Even a small variance can impact both performance and proper fit.

The truth: Coils are highly specific to their system. “Close enough” usually isn’t close enough.

Where we come in: Every Re-Coil replacement is built to match your system exactly so it performs the way it should.

Myth #2: “I can just clean it… again.”

Cleaning helps—until it doesn’t. If corrosion has already set in or fins are breaking down, no amount of cleaning will bring the coil back to health.

The truth: Cleaning buys time, but it won’t fix underlying deterioration. In some cases, repeated cleaning actually accelerates damage.

Where we come in: Replacing at the right moment prevents costly downtime and keeps your system running efficiently.

Myth #3: “Coil coatings are only necessary near the coast.”

Salt air definitely causes corrosion, but it’s not the only culprit. Hospitals deal with harsh chemicals. Schools trap humidity. Industrial plants circulate airborne contaminants. Even standard urban environments can break a coil down faster than expected.

The truth: Corrosion happens everywhere. Protective coatings dramatically extend coil life and protect your budget.

Where we come in: We offer multiple coating options so you get the right protection for your specific environment.

Myth #4: “It’s faster to buy from the OEM.”

Sometimes—but not always. OEM options can be expensive, slow, or completely unavailable for older equipment.

The truth: Custom coils can match or beat OEM timelines, often with better precision.

Where we come in: Re-Coil provides quick quoting, reliable lead times, and custom builds for systems of all ages.

Myth #5: “If the coil fails, I probably need to replace the whole system.”

A failing coil does not automatically mean a failing unit. Full replacements are a massive expense, and most of the time, totally unnecessary.

The truth: A custom coil retrofit can extend your system’s life by years.

Where we come in: We specialize in giving older systems new life without the cost of a brand-new unit. DON’T REPLACE IT, RE-COIL IT!

Quick Coil Check: When to Take a Closer Look

• Visible corrosion

• Rising energy bills

• Uneven temperatures

• Ice on the coil

• Increasing humidity

• Unit age of 10+ years

Save this list. It’ll come in handy.

Have a Coil Question? Bring It On.

Coils may seem simple, but the systems around them rarely are. If you’re staring down a failing coil, a tricky retrofit, or a confusing set of specs, we’re here to make it easier.