Methods and apparatus for accessing hvac coil

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for accessing HVAC coils according to various aspects of the present technology comprise a plenum access panel that is configured to be coupled to a plenum either upstream or downstream from an HVAC component. The plenum access panel may comprise one or more moveable sections configured to provide access into the interior of the plenum or associated ductwork without requiring the disassembly of the ductwork from the HVAC component.

1 . A plenum access panel for accessing an interior portion of a plenum through an open section of the plenum defined by a plurality of edge portions, comprising:
 an access frame configured to be coupled to the open section of the plenum, wherein the access frame comprises:
 a central opening configured to substantially align with the open section of the plenum; and 
 a plurality of sidewalls arranged around the central opening and configured to secure the access frame to the edge portions of the plenum; and 
   a panel configured to engage the access frame and cover the central opening.   
     
     
         2 . A plenum access panel according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the access frame further comprises a plurality of tabs depending outwardly from the plurality of sidewalls; and   the plurality of tabs are configured to engage the edge portions of the plenum.   
     
     
         3 . A plenum access panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the access frame further comprises a plurality of open hems disposed along an exterior surface of the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the plurality of open hems are configured to slidably receive the panel. 
     
     
         4 . A plenum access panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises:
 a handle depending outwardly from a first side of the panel; and   an insulated surface disposed along a second side of the panel.   
     
     
         5 . A plenum access panel according to  claim 4 , wherein:
 the panel comprises a plurality of panel edges folded inwardly towards a center portion of the second side of the panel to form a plurality of receiving sections; and   the insulated surface comprises an insulation panel configured to be inserted into the receiving sections of the panel.   
     
     
         6 . A method of forming an access panel for accessing an interior portion of a plenum through an open section of the plenum defined by a plurality of edge portions, comprising:
 coupling an access frame to the open section of the plenum, wherein the access frame comprises:
 a central opening configured to substantially align with the open section of the plenum; and 
 a plurality of sidewalls arranged around the central opening and configured to secure the access frame to the edge portions of the plenum; and 
   coupling a panel to the access frame over the central opening.   
     
     
         7 . A method of forming an access panel according to  claim 6 , wherein coupling the access frame to the open section of the plenum comprises engaging a plurality of tabs depending outwardly from the plurality of side sidewalls to the edge portions of the plenum. 
     
     
         8 . A method of forming an access panel according to  claim 6 , wherein coupling the panel to the access frame comprises sliding the panel into a plurality of open hems formed along an exterior surface of the plurality of sidewalls. 
     
     
         9 . A method of forming an access panel according to  claim 6 , further comprising:
 forming a handle from a first side of the panel; and   forming an insulated surface along a second side of the panel.   
     
     
         10 . A method of forming an access panel according to  claim 9 , wherein forming the insulated surface along the second side of the panel comprises:
 forming a receiving section along the second side of the panel by inwardly folding a plurality of panel edges towards a center portion of the panel; and   inserting an insulation panel into the receiving section.