“Get Your Fix” Part 3 of 10: Carrier® 38APS/38APD

The Carrier® 38APS/38APD has made it onto our list of OEM condenser coils with repeated service problems. Introduced around 2012, these units featured Carrier’s Novation® microchannel heat exchanger design using Puron refrigerant (R-410A). The company marketed the microchannel coils as a "robust and cost-effective alternative" to traditional designs. While this may seem like a win for buyers, many end up facing long-term issues such as frequent leaks, damage from foreign debris, and costly repairs.

Why did Carrier choose microchannel coils?

Microchannel technology offers several advantages, including lower material costs and a reduced refrigerant charge. However, while environmental benefits are important, they shouldn’t come at the expense of unit reliability. Many customers have found that the initial savings don’t outweigh the ongoing maintenance headaches.

It's time to #changethechannel

Our experience with the Carrier 38APS/38APD was one of the key reasons Nationwide Coils launched our microchannel conversion program. Our #changethechannel initiative allows customers to replace all-aluminum fin coils with more durable copper tube, aluminum fin coils. This upgrade improves reliability, simplifies service, and maintains the original efficiency of the unit.

We can fabricate a copper tube coil that installs easily with minimal re-piping and performs at the same capacity as the original microchannel coil. Although the unit will require an additional 20–30% of refrigerant and must be charged via sub-cooling, it eliminates the risk of constant leaks, unreliable repairs, and unexpected downtime.

Smaller tonnage units are available in dual and single refrigeration circuits (025–065), while larger units (070–130) are only available in dual refrigeration circuits.

Getting a quote is simple.

As a leader in custom and OEM replacement coils for commercial HVAC systems, Nationwide Coils can #changethechannel on any make, model, or year unit—including these Carrier models:

Unit Size 025 – 050: Offer both Dual & Single Refrigeration Circuit

38APD025 | 38APD027 | 38APD030 | 38APD040 | 38APD050 | 38APS025 | 38APS027 | 38APS030 | 38APS040 | 38APS050 | 38APD060 (D Only) | 38APS065 (S Only) | 38APD070 (D Only) | 38APD080 (D Only) | 38APD090 (D Only) | 38APD100 (D Only) | 38APD115 (D Only) | 38APD130 (D Only)