Equipment size. The modern AHUs are not exact replacements; they are better.

They are
more efficient, quieter, and, for most applications, have more static pressure than the older
unit. In addition, the dimensions, although similar, are slightly different. Use the following
table to determine the closest match.

UNICOS GUIDE TO REPLACING OLDER SMALL

Existing Unit
Tonnage

Replace With
Blower

DUCT HIGH VELOCITY AIR HANDLERS

Coil

Unico
HP / VP 2436

MB2436H

HP / VP 4260

MB4260

M2430BL1-EC2

MC2430*

2.5

M2430BL1-EC2

MC2430*

M3642BL1-EC2

MC3642*

3.5

M3642BL1-EC2

MC3642*

M3642BL1-EC2

MC3642*

M4860BL1-EC2

MC4860*

1.5

M2430BL1-EC2

MC2430*

M2430BL1-EC2

MC2430*

2.5

M2430BL1-EC2

MC2430*

M3642BL1-EC2

MC3642*

M3642BL1-EC2

MC3642*

M3642BL1-EC2

MC3642*

M4860BL1-EC2

MC4860*

Spacepak
ESP1824

ESP3036

ESP4260

* Can use either "C" or "H" coil

NOTE: When replacing both the indoor blower and the outdoor condensing unit you MUST check the
matchup rating on www.ahridirectory.org
Unico, Inc. / 7401 Alabama / St. Louis, MO 63111 / Phone: 800-527-0896 / Fax: 314-457-9000 / www.unicosystem.com

Airflow - The older systems were designed for 200 CFM

per nominal ton and often the actual airflow was 180
CFM per nominal ton. The modern units are designed
for 250 CFM per nominal ton with a minimum of 200
CFM for acceptable performance. It is very important to
maintain the minimum airflow. It is absolutely required
if the outdoor unit is being replaced.
Plenum - Most of the older systems use 7 inch round
plenum. The modern units often use slightly larger duct
sizes. Therefore, you will need to adapt to the existing
duct using reducer fittings. Be sure to seal the ducts and
insulate. It may be necessary to upsize the plenum in
some applications. Primarily this will entail using a
larger, 9 or 10 inch, duct up to a tee; then downsizing
to the 7 inch. This is usually seen in horseshoe or
perimeter loop configurations.
Common Recomendations
For the 4860/3642 - Replacing the duct work between the AHU and the first fitting (in most cases it is
a Tee) needs to be changed to a 10-inch I.D. insulated
metal plenum for a minimum of 2 feet.
For the 2430/1218 - Replacing the duct work between the AHU and the first fitting (in most cases it is
a Tee) needs to be changed to a 9-inch I.D. insulated
metal plenum for a minimum of 2 feet.
24-inch (610 mm) Rule - Use at least 24-inch [610
mm] of straight plenum before any fitting, such as an
elbow, tee, or takeoff. Electric duct heaters require 48
inches [1.2 m]. Avoid elbows directly off units.
Outlets - The older systems usually were designed with 4
to 5 outlets per ton. The modern systems require 6 to 8
outlets per ton. This does not mean that outlets automatically need to be added. Often the modern blower will
have enough reserve to compensate for the fewer outlets. However, the increased airflow may create objectionable noise. If this occurs, or the required airflow is
not achieved, then you will need to add additional
outlets.
Space Takeoffs Evenly - Maintain distance between
takeoffs as evenly as possible. Space the takeoffs at
least 6-inch [152 mm] apart and 12-inch [305 mm]
from end cap.

Return Duct - Typically no changes are required. Use the

following table to determine if the return should be upsized. (Downsizing is never required.)
Airflow in CFM

Return Size

400

12

600

14

800

16

1000

18

1300

20

Common Plenum Configurations:

Check Airflow - The EC motor makes it easy to check the

airflow. Set the airflow capacity switch (high/low) to the
correct airflow per the following table
Nom Ton Switch Setting Airflow*
1.5

M2430 (low)

500

M2430 (low)

500

2.5

M2430 (high)

625

M3642 (low)

750

3.5

M3642 (high)

925

M3642 (high)

925

M4860 (low)

1000

M4860 (high)

1250

Note: be sure that

the model switch is
set to the correct
model size.
*These are default
settings. These can
be customized if you
use a laptop and the
ECMconfig software.

60 %

40 %

9-INCH DIA.

Move the Aux (or Check Airflow) switch to the ON (or

CHECK) position.
Count the flashes. Each flash is equal to 100 CFM. If you
see a half flash at the end, add another 50 CFM.
IF THE AIRFLOW IS LESS THAN 200 CFM PER NOMINAL
TON (BASED ON THE OUTDOOR UNIT SIZE), THEN YOU
WILL NEED TO MODIFY THE DUCT SYSTEM. Either increase the plenum size or add outlets, or both. Consult
with customer service if you need assistance.
IF YOU EXPERIENCE NOISE ISSUES BECAUSE THE NEW
BLOWER IS DELIVERING MORE AIR THAN BEFORE, YOU
WILL NEED TO ADD OUTLETS. If the unit is delivering
more air than the minimum you can reduce the airflow
using the laptop. Consult customer service if you need
assistance.

30% MAX.
7-INCH DIA.

IL00124.CNV

IL00126.CNV

Shotgun Pattern. For the 4860/3642 units, use 10-inch insulated metal or fiberglass duct for the first 30 percent of the outlets coming off the 10-inch plenum; then reduce to 9-inch if desired. For the 2430/1218 units,
use 9-inch insulated metal or fiberglass duct for the first 40 percent of the outlets coming off the 9-inch plenum; then reduce to 7-inch if desired.