When I first started researching HVAC components, I thought a coil was just a coil. But then I came across terms like horizontal, vertical, upflow, downflow, and even multi-position coils. Suddenly, it felt like I needed an engineering degree to pick the right one.
When I upgraded to the Goodman 4.5 Ton Horizontal Cased Painted A-Coil with Built-In TXV (Model CHPTA6030D3, R-32 Ready), I had to decide whether a single-orientation coil or a multi-position coil made more sense for my home.
If you’re confused by coil orientations, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between single-position and multi-position coils, the pros and cons of each, and why I chose Goodman’s horizontal cased coil for my attic installation.
📖 What Do “Single-Position” and “Multi-Position” Mean?
The terms describe how the coil can be installed in your HVAC system:
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Single-position coils: Built for one orientation only (horizontal, upflow, or downflow).
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Multi-position coils: More flexible—they can be installed in multiple orientations (like upflow and horizontal).
👉 Think of it like furniture: some couches only fit in one spot (single-position), while sectional couches can be rearranged (multi-position).
📐 The Three Main Coil Orientations
🔼 Upflow Coils
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Air enters from the bottom and flows upward through the coil.
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Common in basements or garages, where furnaces are placed on the floor.
🔽 Downflow Coils
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Air enters from the top and flows downward.
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Used in homes where the furnace is in a closet or attic, pushing air down into ducts below.
➡️ Horizontal Coils
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Air flows sideways through the coil.
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Best for attics, crawlspaces, or tight utility areas where vertical space is limited.
👉 My home has an attic HVAC setup, so a horizontal coil was the natural choice.
⚖️ Pros & Cons of Multi-Position Coils
When I was shopping, multi-position coils seemed appealing because of their flexibility. But there are trade-offs.
✅ Pros:
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One coil can cover multiple installation scenarios.
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Easier for contractors to keep fewer models in stock.
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Reduces installation mistakes if orientation changes.
❌ Cons:
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Slightly more expensive (about $200 more than single-orientation coils).
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Bulkier design—sometimes harder to fit into tight attic or crawl spaces.
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More components can mean more potential points of failure.
⚙️ Why Choose a Horizontal Cased Coil (Like Goodman’s CHPTA6030D3)?
For me, the Goodman horizontal cased coil had several advantages:
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Space-Saving Design
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Fits perfectly in attic installations where vertical clearance is limited.
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Durability
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Painted steel casing protects against rust and moisture.
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Drainage
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Factory-installed primary and secondary drain pans designed for horizontal orientation reduce the risk of water leaks.
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Efficiency
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Built-in TXV (Thermostatic Expansion Valve) optimizes refrigerant flow, improving SEER2 performance.
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Future-Proof
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Rated for R-32 refrigerant, making it compliant with 2025 EPA standards.
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👉 In other words, it wasn’t just the right size—it was the right fit.
🏠 Real-World Home Examples
Here’s how coil orientation plays out in different homes:
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Multi-Level Home with Attic HVAC → Horizontal coil is best.
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Ranch Home with Closet Air Handler → Downflow coil works better.
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Older Home with Basement Furnace → Upflow coil is usually the answer.
In my case, I have a 2,500 sq. ft. two-story house with the HVAC tucked into the attic. Installing a vertical or downflow coil would have been impossible. The horizontal Goodman coil was a perfect match.
💵 Cost Differences
Here’s what I learned when pricing coils in 2025:
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Single-Orientation Coils (like Goodman CHPTA6030D3): $900–$1,200.
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Multi-Position Coils: $1,100–$1,400.
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Installation Labor: Similar for both ($1,500–$2,500), but horizontal installs can cost a bit more if attic access is tight.
👉 For me, the single-orientation horizontal coil was cheaper and a better fit.
🔧 Compatibility Considerations
No matter which coil you choose, compatibility matters.
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Goodman CHPTA6030D3 is designed to pair with 4–5 ton Goodman condensers and furnaces.
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Always check the AHRI Directory for certified coil + condenser matches.
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Matchups ensure efficiency ratings are valid and keep your Goodman warranty intact.
✅ Samantha’s Final Takeaway
Here’s what I learned:
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If you know your install location, a single-orientation coil like Goodman’s horizontal cased CHPTA6030D3 is ideal.
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If you’re not sure, or your installer wants maximum flexibility, a multi-position coil may be worth the extra cost.
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Either way, always prioritize compatibility, efficiency, and future-proofing for R-32 refrigerant.
For me, the horizontal coil was the right choice. It fit my attic space perfectly, worked seamlessly with my Goodman condenser, and gave me peace of mind for the refrigerant changes coming in 2025.
In the next topic we will know more about: Energy Rebates & Tax Credits: Does a 4.5 Ton Goodman R-32 A-Coil Qualify in 2025?
