Description
AB 16x18 water to air heat exchanger is designed for hydronic heating and cooling systems that transfer thermal energy between circulating water and forced airflow. The unit features 3 rows of 3/8" seamless copper tubes combined with aluminum fins to support stable heat transfer performance in residential and light commercial HVAC applications.
The heat exchanger is built with 1" copper ports for integration with boilers, outdoor wood furnaces, chilled water systems, solar-assisted systems, and other closed-loop heating or cooling setups. Its compact coil structure allows installation within ductwork, air handlers, and custom ventilation assemblies where space efficiency is required.
Heat Transfer Design
This water to air heat exchanger uses a multi-row copper tube and aluminum fin configuration to transfer heat between water and moving air without mixing the two mediums.
The coil contains 3 rows of 3/8" seamless copper tubes arranged with aluminum fins to increase the total heat transfer surface area. The fin structure is designed with a wavy pattern that improves airflow contact across the coil surface and supports more consistent thermal distribution throughout the exchanger core.
Copper tubing provides thermal conductivity for transferring heat from circulating hot or chilled water, while the aluminum fins help distribute thermal energy into the airflow passing through the duct system.
Depending on water temperature, airflow volume, and circulation flow rate, the heat exchanger can support heating performance suitable for residential and light commercial forced-air systems.
Material and Construction
The heat exchanger is constructed using seamless copper tubes, aluminum fins, and a reinforced steel casing for structural support during long-term heating and cooling operation.
Copper and aluminum are commonly used in hydronic heat exchangers due to their thermal conductivity and compatibility with closed-loop HVAC systems. The tube contact points and casing edges are brazed to improve structural stability under varying operating temperatures and pressure conditions.
The aluminum fins are coated with epoxy resin to improve surface durability and reduce wear caused by continuous airflow exposure.
Product Information
| Model |
HTL16x18 | Fitting Size |
1" copper sweat |
Design Pressure |
175psi |
|
Capacity* |
100,000 Btu | Rating |
175psi @ 350F |
Test Pressure |
263psi |
|
Coils |
3 rows of 3/8", copper | Fins |
12 per inch, aluminum | Materials |
Steel, Copper, Aluminum |
| Min. Operating Temp. |
32F |
Max. Operating Temp. |
350F |
Dimensions |
Finned Area16" x 18" x 3.5" |
*Capacity is based on 180F boiler output
Water to Air Heat Exchanger Size Choosing Guide.pdf
Installation Options
The 16x18 water to air heat exchanger is designed for flexible installation in hydronic and forced-air HVAC systems.
The 1" copper ports can be connected using soldered piping connections, threaded adapters, or clamp-supported installation methods depending on system requirements. The unit may be installed inside ductwork, air handlers, furnace cabinets, or custom ventilation systems.
Proper airflow direction, water circulation rate, and coil positioning should be considered during installation to maintain stable heat transfer performance.
Typical Applications
This water to air heat exchanger can be used in a variety of residential, commercial, and hydronic heating or cooling systems, including:
- Outdoor wood furnace systems
- Boiler heating systems
- Forced-air furnace heating
- Residential HVAC systems
- Light commercial heating applications
- Chilled water cooling systems
- Garage and workshop heating
- Hybrid heating systems
- Solar-assisted heating systems
- Air handler coil applications
Airflow and Water Flow Considerations
Heat transfer performance is influenced by entering water temperature, airflow velocity, and system circulation rate. Proper duct sizing and balanced airflow distribution can help maintain stable coil operation within the HVAC system.
System performance may vary depending on blower capacity, pump flow rate, and installation configuration. Matching the heat exchanger size with the system airflow requirements can help improve overall thermal consistency.
Copper Tube and Aluminum Fin Configuration
The combination of copper tubing and aluminum fins is widely used in hydronic heat exchanger systems due to its balance of thermal conductivity, durability, and weight efficiency.
The seamless copper tubes support internal heat transfer from circulating water, while the aluminum fins increase external surface contact with moving air inside the duct system. This configuration allows the exchanger to operate efficiently in both heating and cooling applications.
FAQ and Support
Tips for mounting Air to Water Heat Exchanger:
If your air system has an overheat sensor, be sure to install the Air to Water Heat Exchanger far enough away from it so that the heat from the exchanger won't interfere with the sensor's readings.
We have worked with heating systems for over 10 years and are happy to help you with any questions or concerns that you may have. You can email us at support@alfaheating.com or call us at 833-328-6888 for help with your heating projects.